Psychology: Thorndike's Law of Effect Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Thorndike's Law of Effect?

Behavior is random and unpredictable.

Behavior that results in satisfying consequences tends to be repeated. (correct)

Principle that treats all behaviors equally.

Behavior is only learned through observation.

What is primary reinforcement?

Stimulus that is innately reinforcing, such as food.

What is secondary reinforcement?

Stimulus that gains its reinforcing property through learning, such as money.

What does shaping involve?

Training a human or animal to make an operant response by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired response. Signup and view all the answers

The main types of reinforcement schedules are fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and ___

variable interval Signup and view all the answers

What is fixed ratio reinforcement?

A reinforcer is delivered each time a fixed number of responses are made. Signup and view all the answers

What is variable ratio reinforcement?

The number of responses it takes to obtain a reinforcer varies on each trial but averages to a set number. Signup and view all the answers

What is fixed interval reinforcement?

Reinforcer is delivered after the first response is given once a fixed interval of time has elapsed. Signup and view all the answers

What is variable interval reinforcement?

Reinforcer is delivered after the first response is given once a variable interval of time has elapsed. Signup and view all the answers

The three motivation theories are drive reduction, _, and _

incentive, arousal Signup and view all the answers

What is drive-reduction theory?

Our behavior is motivated to reduce drives created by unsatisfied bodily needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is incentive theory?

Our behavior is motivated by incentives, or external stimuli that we have learned to associate with reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What does arousal theory suggest?

Our behavior is motivated to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal. Signup and view all the answers

What types of sensory memory are there?

Iconic and echoic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of iconic memory?

Exact copy visually, usually short-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of echoic memory?

Sound, hearing, usually short-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Thorndike's Law of Effect

Developed by Edward Thorndike, this principle states behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated.
Behaviors followed by unsatisfying outcomes tend to be avoided.

Primary Reinforcement

Refers to stimuli that are innately reinforcing, such as food, which fulfill basic needs.

Secondary Reinforcement

Involves stimuli that acquire reinforcing properties through learning, exemplified by money.

Shaping

A method of training where successive approximations of a desired behavior are reinforced, gradually leading to the target behavior.

Reinforcement Schedules

Types include fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval, determining the timing and frequency of reinforcement.

Fixed Ratio

A set number of responses must occur before reinforcement is received, such as payments for every ten wallets produced.

Variable Ratio

The number of responses required for reinforcement varies across trials, maintaining an average, commonly seen in gambling.

Fixed Interval

Reinforcement follows the first response after a predetermined time has elapsed, such as after midterms or finals.

Variable Interval

Reinforcement is provided after the first response following unpredictable time intervals, as experienced with pop quizzes.

Motivation Theories

Three primary theories include drive reduction, incentive theory, and arousal theory, explaining behavioral motivations.

Drive Reduction Theory

Suggests behavior is driven to reduce physiological drives that stem from unmet bodily needs, promoting internal balance (e.g., eating to regain concentration).

Incentive Theory

Proposes that behavior is motivated by external stimuli that signal reinforcement, such as working for a paycheck.

Arousal Theory

Posits that behavior is driven to achieve an optimal level of physiological arousal, illustrated by attending concerts for excitement.

Sensory Memory

Comprises iconic (visual) and echoic (auditory) memory forms, capturing stimuli for brief periods.

Iconic Memory

A type of sensory memory that provides a short-term, precise visual replication of an image.

Echoic Memory

Relates to auditory information, retaining sounds and what is heard, typically in short-term memory.

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Description

Explore the concepts behind Thorndike's Law of Effect through engaging flashcards. These cards cover key terms such as primary and secondary reinforcement, crucial for understanding behavior reinforcement principles in psychology.