Podcast
Questions and Answers
Explain what an unconditioned reinforcer is. Give two examples.
Explain what an unconditioned reinforcer is. Give two examples.
Unconditioned reinforcers are stimuli which are reinforcing without prior learning. Examples include food for someone who has not eaten for several hours and water for someone who has not had a drink for several hours.
Explain what a conditioned reinforcer is. Give and explain two examples.
Explain what a conditioned reinforcer is. Give and explain two examples.
A conditioned reinforcer is a stimulus that acquires reinforcing power through association with a reinforcing stimulus. An example is a dollar bill, which becomes reinforcing after being paired with purchases in stores.
Explain what a backup reinforcer is. Give and explain two examples.
Explain what a backup reinforcer is. Give and explain two examples.
A backup reinforcer is a reinforcer on which a conditioned reinforcer is based. Examples include money exchanged for poker chips at a game, where money serves as the backup reinforcer.
What were the backup reinforcers in Erin's program?
What were the backup reinforcers in Erin's program?
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Describe a target behavior of yours that you would like to improve that might be amenable to a points program like Erin's. What would you use as backup reinforcers for the points?
Describe a target behavior of yours that you would like to improve that might be amenable to a points program like Erin's. What would you use as backup reinforcers for the points?
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What are tokens?
What are tokens?
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Explain in two or three sentences what a token economy is.
Explain in two or three sentences what a token economy is.
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Is money a token? Justify your answer.
Is money a token? Justify your answer.
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Give two examples of stimuli that are conditioned reinforcers but not tokens. Explain why they are conditioned reinforcers, and why they are not tokens.
Give two examples of stimuli that are conditioned reinforcers but not tokens. Explain why they are conditioned reinforcers, and why they are not tokens.
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Explain what a conditioned punisher is. Give and explain two examples.
Explain what a conditioned punisher is. Give and explain two examples.
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Distinguish between a simple conditioned reinforcer and a generalized conditioned reinforcer. Explain why a generalized conditioned reinforcer is more effective than a simple conditioned reinforcer.
Distinguish between a simple conditioned reinforcer and a generalized conditioned reinforcer. Explain why a generalized conditioned reinforcer is more effective than a simple conditioned reinforcer.
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Is praise a generalized conditioned reinforcer? Defend your answer.
Is praise a generalized conditioned reinforcer? Defend your answer.
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Study Notes
Unconditioned Reinforcers
- Unconditioned reinforcers are naturally reinforcing stimuli that require no prior learning.
- Examples include food for someone who is hungry and water for someone who is thirsty.
Conditioned Reinforcers
- Conditioned reinforcers are stimuli that gain reinforcing power through association with unconditioned reinforcers.
- A dollar bill, initially not reinforcing for a child, becomes effective after association with purchasing experiences.
- Other valid examples can include praise or tokens that are tied to other rewards.
Backup Reinforcers
- Backup reinforcers are the actual rewards exchanged for conditioned reinforcers in a token system.
- Examples include money for poker chips or time on social media for accumulated points.
Erin's Program
- Backup reinforcers in Erin's program included time spent on Facebook or YouTube.
Target Behavior and Points Program
- Students should think of personalized target behaviors and corresponding backup reinforcers that would motivate improvement.
Tokens
- Tokens are a specific type of conditioned reinforcer that can be accrued and exchanged for backup reinforcers.
Token Economy
- A token economy refers to a behavioral modification system using tokens to reinforce desirable behaviors, exchangeable for more substantial backup reinforcers.
Money as a Token
- Money qualifies as a token since it can be accumulated and used to acquire various backup reinforcers.
Conditioned Reinforcers That Are Not Tokens
- Examples of conditioned reinforcers that aren't tokens include praise or a familiar voice, associated with emotions or memories rather than being exchangeable.
Conditioned Punishers
- Conditioned punishers are stimuli that acquire aversive power through association with punishing stimuli.
- Examples include criticism and the presence of a threatening figure.
Simple vs. Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers
- Simple conditioned reinforcers are linked to a single backup reinforcer, while generalized reinforcers have connections to multiple backups.
- Generalized reinforcers are often more effective due to the availability of various powerful backup reinforcers.
Praise as a Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer
- Praise is generally considered a generalized conditioned reinforcer, as it is linked to diverse favorable outcomes and parental attention.
Points in Erin's Program
- The effectiveness of points in Erin's program can be assessed in relation to their quality as generalized conditioned reinforcers, allowing insights into behavior modification strategies.
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Description
Test your knowledge with this set of flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 5 of psychology. Learn about unconditioned reinforcers and their significance in behavioral psychology. Perfect for students wanting to reinforce their understanding of basic psychological principles.
