Psychology on Brain and Learning

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of dopamine in learning behaviors?

It is associated with the feeling of liking a reinforcer. (correct)

It helps in the formation of new neural connections.

It regulates the extinction of learned responses.

It controls the timing of reinforcement schedules.

Which reinforcement schedule is most effective when first learning a new behavior?

Variable ratio reinforcement schedule.

Intermittent reinforcement schedule.

Fixed interval reinforcement schedule.

Continuous reinforcement schedule. (correct)

What is the purpose of negative reinforcement in handling undesirable behavior?

To remove an aversive stimulus once a goal is achieved (correct)

To introduce an aversive stimulus that remains in place

To completely ignore undesirable behavior

To punish students severely for their misbehavior

How does an intermittent reinforcement schedule maintain behavior?

By offering reinforcement unpredictably. Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves practicing correct responses immediately after errors are made?

Positive practice overcorrection Signup and view all the answers

What are antecedents in the context of behavior change?

Events that precede behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'stimulus control' in behavior modification?

The capacity for antecedents to influence behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a caution related to the application of punishment?

It can lead to social-emotional and motivational consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is essentially the goal of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)?

To identify the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences of acting out Signup and view all the answers

Which method is considered more effective for instruction delivery?

Utilizing concise and clear statements with specific expected outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is response cost in the context of handling undesirable behavior?

Punishment by loss of reinforcers Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the disappearance of a learned response?

Extinction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of reinforcement schedules is based on the number of responses between reinforcers?

Fixed ratio reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

How should reprimands be delivered to be effective?

Quietly and privately to the student Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when applying punishment to students?

The actions and behaviors leading to the misbehavior Signup and view all the answers

What general motivation do students exhibit when they act out, according to functional behavioral assessment principles?

To gain attention or to escape from tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of shaping in behavior modification?

Reinforcing each small step toward a desired goal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of task analysis in shaping?

To provide a logical sequence of steps to a final goal Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy should be used to encourage persistence after behaviors are established?

Utilize an unpredictable schedule for reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What is a contingency contract?

A written agreement specifying requirements for rewards Signup and view all the answers

What is a token reinforcement system designed to do?

Reward students with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges Signup and view all the answers

How can the Premack principle be applied in a classroom setting?

By identifying high-frequency behaviors as effective reinforcers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of group consequences in a classroom environment?

To reward or punish the entire class based on collective behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice in encouraging positive behaviors?

Providing reinforcement selectively to favored students Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of positive behavior supports (PBS)?

To replace problem behaviors with new actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of precorrection in positive behavior supports?

To modify the situation to prevent misbehavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of self-management?

Assigning behavior change to teachers Signup and view all the answers

How can students reinforce their own behavior according to the self-management approach?

By waiting to receive rewards until goals are met Signup and view all the answers

What role do families play in applying self-management strategies?

They can assist in establishing reachable goals and record progress. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is included in the three-tier prevention and intervention approach of PBS?

Universal strategies for all students Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential part of monitoring and evaluating progress in self-management?

Maintaining a record of behaviors and their frequency Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy should be avoided when introducing a self-management system to students?

Introducing the system in a negative way Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes enactive learning from observational learning?

Learning by experiencing consequences versus learning by imitation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bandura's social cognitive theory emphasize?

The role of internal thoughts in understanding behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle should teachers follow to promote positive behavior in their students?

Use reinforcement to recognize appropriate behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential criticism of using rewards in learning environments?

Rewards may undermine students' interest in the material. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between learning and performance according to Bandura?

Individuals can learn without immediately demonstrating that knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Why might praise be ineffective in a classroom setting?

It often is not sincere recognition of real accomplishment. Signup and view all the answers

How do behavioral strategies benefit students according to the principles for teachers?

They help students learn academically and grow in self-sufficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bandura's view on the system of rewards in education?

The proper use of rewards can enhance motivation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Brain & Learning

Different parts of the brain are involved in learning, with the cerebellum involved in simple learning and other parts involved in learning to avoid painful stimuli.
Brain chemicals, like dopamine and opiate-like substances, are involved in the “liking” of a reinforcer.

Reinforcement Schedules

Continuous reinforcement schedule: A reinforcer is given after every desired response. This is effective for teaching new behaviors.
Intermittent reinforcement schedule: A reinforcer is given after some desired responses. This is effective for maintaining behaviors.
- Interval schedule: Reinforcer based on time between reinforcement.
- Ratio schedule: Reinforcer based on number of responses between reinforcement.

### Antecedents and Behavior Change

Antecedents: Events that come before a behavior.
Stimulus control: The capacity for an antecedent to cause a behavior. This is also how teachers use cues:
- Effective Instruction Delivery: Clear, concise instructions that communicate the expected outcome are more effective than questions.
- Cueing: A stimulus that sets up the desired behavior.

Shaping

Shaping (successive approximations) involves reinforcing each small step of progress towards a desired behavior.
This is useful when the student cannot perform the entire task, but can perform part of it.
It involves breaking a task into smaller steps and then reinforcing each step.

### Encouraging Positive Behaviors

Quickly recognize and reinforce positive behaviors in ways that students value.
Provide reinforcement on an unpredictable schedule after behaviors are established.
Utilize the Premack principle to identify effective reinforcers.
Use cueing to help establish new behaviors.
Ensure that all students receive praise and rewards for doing something well.

Contingency Contracts, Token Reinforcement, and Group Consequences

Contingency contracts: Written agreements between teacher and student outlining expectations and rewards.
Token reinforcement systems: Students earn tokens for academic work and good behavior, which can be exchanged for rewards.
Group consequences: Rewards or punishments given to the entire class for adhering to or violating rules.

### Handling Undesirable Behavior

When problems persist, consider using:
- Negative reinforcement: Removing an aversive stimulus to encourage desired behavior.
- Positive practice overcorrection: Practicing the correct response immediately after an error.
- Reprimands: Criticisms for misbehavior. This should be done privately and quietly to be effective.
- Response cost: Punishment by removing rewards or privileges.
- Social isolation/time out: Briefly removing the disruptive student.

### Some Cautions About Punishment

Punishment can have social, emotional, and motivational consequences.
Studies have shown that punishment, especially physical punishment, is ineffective and harmful.
When using punishment, focus on the behavior and what the student should do instead.
Consider the following guidelines:
- Structure the situation to use negative reinforcement instead of punishment.
- Keep punishment mild and brief, and pair it with doing the right thing.
- Be consistent in applying punishment.
- Focus on the student’s actions, not their personal qualities.
- Adapt the punishment to the infraction and ignore minor misbehaviors.

### Functional Behavioral Assessment

Aims to discover why a student acts out.
Common reasons for acting out:
- To get attention, gain a desired item or activity, or sensory stimulation.
- To escape attention, escape a demanding or boring task, or escape painful or disturbing sensory stimulation.
Data from FBA observations is used to identify and analyze the function of the behavior.

### Positive Behavior Supports

Interventions designed to replace problem behaviors with new, appropriate behaviors.
These interventions are based on the functional behavioral assessment.
Precorrection: A preventive strategy used to identify the context for the student’s misbehavior, specify alternative expected behaviors, modify the situation to make the problem behavior unlikely, rehearse the expected positive behaviors, and reinforce them.
PBS can be used successfully in school-wide programs.
There are three tiers of prevention and intervention.

### Self-Management

Students take responsibility for their own learning and behavior.
Components:
- Goal setting: Students set specific goals and make them public.
- Monitoring and evaluating progress: Students monitor and evaluate their own progress toward goals.
- Self-reinforcement: Students control their own reinforcers by denying themselves a reward until a goal is met, then reinforcing themselves with the reward.

### Challenges and Criticisms

Albert Bandura proposed social learning theory to explain learning through observation of others.
He distinguishes between enactive and observational learning.
He also distinguishes between learning and performance.

### Criticisms of Behavioral Methods

There is debate about whether students should be rewarded for learning.
Critics argue that rewards can control students and decrease their intrinsic motivation.
Other perspectives argue that rewards can increase intrinsic motivation and confidence.
The proper use of behavioral strategies should help students learn academically and grow in self-sufficiency.

### Behavioral Approaches: Lessons for Teachers

No one willingly repeats behaviors that have been punished or ignored.
Actions that lead to positive consequences are likely to be repeated.
Teachers often fail to use reinforcement to recognize appropriate behavior, instead focusing on responding to inappropriate behavior.
Praise must be sincere and recognize real accomplishment to be effective.
Students can learn to become more self-managing.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of how different parts of the brain are involved in learning processes, including reinforcement schedules. This quiz covers the role of brain chemicals and antecedents in behavior change and effective instruction. Test your understanding and deepen your knowledge of psychological principles related to learning.