Psychology: Reinforcers Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is an unconditioned reinforcer?

A secondary or learned reinforcer

Stimuli that are reinforcing without prior learning (correct)

A reinforcer paired with many different kinds of backup reinforcers

A stimulus that can be exchanged for backup reinforcers

What defines a conditioned reinforcer?

Not originally reinforcing but have become reinforcers through association (correct)

A physical object used in reinforcement

A stimulus paired with a single backup reinforcer

Stimuli that are reinforcing without prior learning

What are backup reinforcers?

Stimulus that becomes a conditioned reinforcer through deliberate association with other reinforcers.

What are tokens in the context of reinforcement?

Conditioned reinforcers that can be collected and exchanged for backup reinforcers. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a simple conditioned reinforcer?

Paired with a single backup reinforcer Signup and view all the answers

What defines a generalized conditioned reinforcer?

Paired with many different kinds of backup reinforcers Signup and view all the answers

Factors influencing the effectiveness of conditioned reinforcement include the strength of the ______.

backup reinforcers Signup and view all the answers

Match the factors influencing effectiveness of conditioned reinforcement with their descriptions.

Strength of backup reinforcers = Influences how reinforcing the conditioned reinforcer will be Variety of backup reinforcers = More options can enhance effectiveness Number of pairing with backup reinforcer = More pairings typically increase effectiveness Loss of value of conditioned reinforcer = Can reduce overall effectiveness over time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unconditioned Reinforcers

Unconditioned reinforcers are primary stimuli that reinforce behavior without requiring prior learning.
Examples include food, water, and shelter.

Conditioned Reinforcers

Conditioned reinforcers, also known as secondary or learned reinforcers, do not possess inherent reinforcement qualities.
They gain their reinforcing properties through association with unconditioned reinforcers, such as tokens paired with praise or money.

Backup Reinforcers

Backup reinforcers are stimuli that serve as unconditioned reinforcers and are used to establish conditioned reinforcers.
Deliberate association with unconditioned reinforcers is essential for a stimulus to become a backup reinforcer.

Tokens

Tokens act as a type of conditioned reinforcer that individuals can accumulate.
They can be exchanged for a variety of backup reinforcers, such as treats or privileges, based on a predetermined system.

Simple Conditioned Reinforcer

A simple conditioned reinforcer is linked directly to a single backup reinforcer.
An example might be a sticker given for correct answers that can be redeemed for a small prize.

Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer

Generalized conditioned reinforcers are associated with multiple types of backup reinforcers.
A classic example is money, which can be exchanged for food, services, or material goods.

Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Conditioned Reinforcement

The effectiveness of conditioned reinforcement is influenced by several factors:
- Strength of the backup reinforcers dictates how potent the overall reinforcement will be.
- Variety of backup reinforcers available can enhance motivation and engagement.
- Number of pairings with backup reinforcers impacts the strength of the conditioned response.
- Loss of value of conditioned reinforcer can diminish its effectiveness over time.

Description

This quiz provides an overview of unconditioned and conditioned reinforcers via flashcards. Learn the key definitions and differences between primary and secondary reinforcers, as well as the concept of backup reinforcers. Perfect for psychology students looking to enhance their understanding of behavioral principles.