Psychology Chapter 12

Questions and Answers

Negative reinforcement can be defined as: Stimulus _, contingent upon a response, which _ the future probability of that response.

Removed, increases

What is an example of a negative reinforcement contingency?

Jo moves to another chair away from the window, where it is shady.

What is one problem that might arise with Mary Jo's negative reinforcement intervention?

The stimulus change following the occurrence of the target behavior is not immediate.

Unlike assessments for identifying positive reinforcers, assessments for negative reinforcers must place equal emphasis on _______________ as well as the consequence events for target behavior.

The EO or antecedent event Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between an escape contingency and an avoidance contingency?

In an escape contingency, the EO is present prior to the occurrence of the target behavior, while in an avoidance contingency, the EO is not present prior. Signup and view all the answers

Negative reinforcement can be defined as: Stimulus _, contingent upon a response, which _ the future probability of that response.

removed, increases Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a negative reinforcement contingency?

Jo moves to another chair away from the window, where it is shady. Signup and view all the answers

What problem might arise with Mary Jo's negative reinforcement intervention for Anjali?

The stimulus change following the occurrence of target behavior is not immediate. Signup and view all the answers

Unlike assessments for identifying positive reinforcers, assessments for negative reinforcers must place equal emphasis on _______________ as well as the consequence events for target behavior.

the EO or antecedent event Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between an escape contingency and an avoidance contingency?

In an escape contingency the EO is present prior to the occurrence of the target behavior, while in an avoidance contingency, the EO is not present prior to the occurrence of the target behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of free-operant avoidance?

All of these. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be maintained by negative reinforcement?

All of these. Signup and view all the answers

An unconditioned reinforcer:

Is one that strengthens behavior in the absence of prior learning. Signup and view all the answers

What factors are important to consider for effectively changing behavior with negative reinforcement?

The stimulus change following the occurrence of the target behavior was immediate, the difference in stimulation prior to and after the response occurred was large, the occurrence of the target response consistently produced escape, reinforcement was unavailable for competing responses. Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by Rodgers and Iwata (1991) demonstrate about error correction procedures?

Error correction procedures may produce learning, at least in part, due to an avoidance contingency. Signup and view all the answers

Ethical concerns about the use of negative reinforcement stem from:

The potential for creating a context that generates undesired behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

The potential side effects of negative reinforcement are similar to the side effects associated with:

Punishment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Negative Reinforcement Overview

Defined as the removal of a stimulus contingent on a response, which increases the future probability of that response.
Focuses on the effect of eliminating an aversive condition to strengthen behavior.

Examples of Negative Reinforcement

Jo experiences warmth from sunlight at Starbucks and moves to a shaded chair, reinforcing the behavior of choosing shaded areas during future visits.
Anjali is motivated to complete 15 math problems to avoid a worksheet on Friday, but there may be delays in stimulus change affecting behavior.

Importance of Antecedents

Assessments for negative reinforcement must consider both the establishing operation (EO) and the consequences for the target behavior.

Escape vs. Avoidance Contingencies

Escape contingency: EO is present before the target behavior occurs.
Avoidance contingency: EO is not present prior to the target behavior, highlighting the proactive nature of avoidance behavior.

Examples of Free-Operant Avoidance

Options demonstrating avoidance behavior include Jackie avoiding conversation by crossing the street, Lavonda wearing a helmet for safety, and Nathaniel securing shutters against storms, indicating that all options illustrate free-operant avoidance.

Behaviors Maintained by Negative Reinforcement

Behaviors such as completing schoolwork, cleaning bedrooms, and tantrums can all be maintained through negative reinforcement mechanisms.

Unconditioned Reinforcers

Unconditioned reinforcers strengthen behavior without prior learning and can be viewed as inherited negative reinforcers.

Key Factors in Behavior Change Studies

Ahearn and colleagues' study illustrated the effectiveness of immediate stimulus change, significant differences in stimulation pre- and post-response, the consistent escape from aversive conditions, and the unavailability of reinforcement for competing responses.

Learning and Avoidance Contingency

Research by Rodgers and Iwata demonstrated that error correction procedures can result in learning partially due to avoidance contingencies, emphasizing the role of negative reinforcement in behavior management.

Ethical Concerns

Ethical issues arise from negative reinforcement approaches, including the prolonged deprivation of positive reinforcement and the potential for creating environments that lead to undesired behaviors due to antecedent aversive stimuli.

Side Effects of Negative Reinforcement

Side effects of negative reinforcement, such as crying or evasion, are comparable to those associated with punishment, highlighting the potential discomfort generated through negative reinforcement strategies.

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Psychology Chapter 12

Questions and Answers

Negative reinforcement can be defined as: Stimulus _, contingent upon a response, which _ the future probability of that response.

What is an example of a negative reinforcement contingency?

What is one problem that might arise with Mary Jo's negative reinforcement intervention?

Unlike assessments for identifying positive reinforcers, assessments for negative reinforcers must place equal emphasis on _______________ as well as the consequence events for target behavior.

What is the key difference between an escape contingency and an avoidance contingency?

Negative reinforcement can be defined as: Stimulus _, contingent upon a response, which _ the future probability of that response.

What is an example of a negative reinforcement contingency?

What problem might arise with Mary Jo's negative reinforcement intervention for Anjali?

Unlike assessments for identifying positive reinforcers, assessments for negative reinforcers must place equal emphasis on _______________ as well as the consequence events for target behavior.

What is the key difference between an escape contingency and an avoidance contingency?

Which of the following is an example of free-operant avoidance?