Psychology Chapter: Contingencies of Reinforcement

Study Notes

Contingencies of Reinforcement

Refers to the relationships between a response and subsequent changes in stimulation.
Example: Report cards issued multiple times a year promote better study habits.

Continuous Reinforcement

A reinforcement schedule where every correct response receives reinforcement.
Example: Rewarding a dog immediately for good behavior.

Intermittent (Partial) Reinforcement

A reinforcement schedule where only some correct responses are reinforced.

Fixed Interval Schedules

Reinforcement is based on a specified time period since the last reinforcement.
Example: Employees receive consistent paychecks weekly or monthly.

Variable Interval Schedules

The interval between reinforcements varies randomly from trial to trial.
Example: Praise from a boss occurring at unpredictable times.

Fixed Ratio Schedules

Reinforcement depends on a set, unchanging number of responses.
Example: Factory workers receive payment upon completing every 10 cases of products.

Variable Ratio Schedules

The number of responses needed for reinforcement fluctuates from trial to trial.
Example: Winning on a slot machine, where payouts occur at unpredictable intervals.

Primary Reinforcers

Reinforcers that fulfill basic biological needs or desires, such as food or sex.
These have inherent biological value to organisms.

Secondary Reinforcers

Stimuli that serve as rewards for positive or correct behavior, such as money or tokens.

Instinctive Drift

The phenomenon where innate responses can disrupt learned behaviors.
Example: Difficulty in teaching a cat not to scratch furniture due to its natural instincts.

Description

Explore the important concepts of contingencies of reinforcement through these flashcards. Understand how reinforcement schedules, such as continuous reinforcement, impact behavior and learning. Enhance your knowledge in behaviorism and psychological principles.