Questions and Answers
What is an operant and what is an operant class?
An operant is a collection of response topographies maintained by the same thing. An operant class is collections of response topographies defined by their maintaining variables.
Define shaping.
Differential reinforcement of successive approximations of some terminal response topography.
Define differential reinforcement.
Application of reinforcement of some responses and extinction of others.
What are stimulus and response generalization?
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What are discrimination and differentiation?
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Distinguish between descriptive and functional response classes.
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Discuss the importance of defining response classes functionally.
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Describe some temporal properties of behavior.
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Define IRT.
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What are DRL and DRH schedules?
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What is a DRO schedule?
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What is a response chain?
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What is discrimination?
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What is a discriminated operant?
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What is a discriminative stimulus?
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What is a generalization gradient?
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Define peak shift.
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What is an inhibitory gradient?
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Study Notes
Operants and Operant Classes
- An operant is a collection of response topographies maintained by the same environmental variable.
- An operant class consists of collections of response topographies defined by their maintaining variables, showing covariation under similar environmental conditions.
- Response classes include responses elicited by similar stimuli, distinguishing operant behavior (sensitive to consequences) from respondent behavior (insensitive).
Shaping
- Shaping involves differential reinforcement of successive approximations towards a terminal response topography, such as gradually encouraging a child to eat new foods.
Differential Reinforcement
- Differential reinforcement applies reinforcement to certain responses while simultaneously extinguishing others.
Generalization
- Stimulus generalization refers to the effects of reinforcement spreading to stimuli that are similar to previously reinforced stimuli.
- Response generalization involves reinforcement effects spreading to responses that are similar to those that have been reinforced.
Discrimination and Differentiation
- Discrimination is the differential responding in presence of stimuli linked to reinforcement.
- Differentiation refers to the varying occurrence of reinforced responses.
Response Classes
- Descriptive response classes focus on behaviors being reinforced, while functional response classes arise from behaviors that generate reinforcement, encompassing both descriptive operants and generalization.
Importance of Functional Definitions
- Categorizing behavior based on controlling variables is more valuable than focusing solely on response form for prediction purposes.
Temporal Properties of Behavior
- Behavior is distributed in time, reflecting various patterns in response occurrences.
Interresponse Time (IRT)
- IRT measures the time interval between individual responses, influencing reinforcement strategies.
Differential Reinforcement Schedules
- DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low Rate): Reinforcement is based on an IRT greater than a specified value.
- DRH (Differential Reinforcement of High Rate): Reinforcement is dependent on an IRT less than a specified value.
DRO Schedule
- DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors) reinforces the absence of a specific behavior, effectively acting as negative punishment.
- For instance, earning a paycheck can depend on being punctual for meetings.
Response Chains
- A response chain consists of a series of behaviors, while breaking responses into steps is termed a task analysis, not a response chain.
Discriminated Operants
- A discriminated operant is defined by its occasioning stimulus and maintaining reinforcer; both contributing to the behavior's occurrence.
Discriminative Stimulus
- A discriminative stimulus signals the availability of reinforcement due to a history of reinforcement associated with responding in its presence.
Generalization Gradient
- A generalization gradient illustrates the relative frequency of responses across stimulus or response dimensions.
Peak Shift
- Peak shift refers to the phenomenon where an inhibitory gradient overlays a generalization gradient, affecting response patterns.
Inhibitory Gradient
- An inhibitory gradient visualizes the spread of extinction effects to stimuli resembling the S-delta.
Fading
- Fading is a method used to progressively reduce prompts or assistance to promote independent responding.
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Description
Explore key concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis with these flashcards, focusing on operants and operant classes. Understand how different response topographies maintain consistency in behavior through environmental manipulations. Perfect for students looking to strengthen their ABA knowledge.