Principle of Reinforcement

Which concept states that any behavior followed by a positive or the removal of a painful stimulus results in an increased probability of that behavior being emitted?

What is the main difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

Which type of reinforcement involves the introduction of pleasant stimuli to increase the chances of desirable behaviors?

What does social reinforcement involve?

What is a characteristic of a natural or unconditioned stimulus?

Which type of reinforcement is characterized by only occasionally rewarding the desired behavior?

What is a conditioned stimulus that was formerly neutral but now serves as a positive reinforcer due to its association with a natural reinforcer?

In which schedule of reinforcement are reinforcers administered after a period of time has elapsed between each administration?

What is characteristic of the fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement?

Which schedule of reinforcement requires the ratio of reinforced to unreinforced responses to remain unchanging?

In a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement, when is a reinforcer administered?

What defines the variable-interval schedule of reinforcement?

Reinforcement

Reinforcement refers to any factor that, when presented immediately after a response, increases the probability of the response's occurrence.
Reinforcement is a central concept in human skill acquisition and performance.

Types of Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcement: introduction of a pleasant, attractive stimulus that increases the probability of an approachable behavior (e.g., food, praise, smile).
Negative Reinforcement: removal of an unpleasant, unwanted stimulus that increases the probability of a behavior (e.g., removal of a painful stimulus).
Primary Reinforcement: natural or unconditioned stimuli that evoke a response prior to conditioning (e.g., food, water).
Secondary Reinforcement: conditioned stimuli that become reinforcement through association with primary reinforcers (e.g., praise, tokens).
Social Reinforcement: reinforcement that occurs through social interactions, leading to the continuation of a desired behavior (e.g., smile, praise, attention).

Schedules of Reinforcement

Fixed-Interval Schedule: reinforcers are administered after a fixed period of time (e.g., every 10 minutes).
Fixed-Ratio Schedule: reinforcers are administered after a fixed number of responses (e.g., every 5 responses).
Variable-Interval Schedule: reinforcers are administered after a varying time interval (e.g., saying "well done" after 5, 10, or 15 minutes).
Variable-Ratio Schedule: reinforcers are administered after a varying number of responses (e.g., every 2, 3, or 4 responses).
Interval Schedule: reinforcers are administered after a fixed or varying time interval or after a fixed or varying number of responses.

Learn about the principle of reinforcement and how it impacts human skill acquisition and performance. Understand the reinforcement law and how behaviors are influenced by positive and negative reinforcement.