11 Questions
According to the Response Deprivation Hypothesis, what happens when access to a response is restricted?
The opportunity to perform the response becomes a positive reinforcer.
In the context of low probability responses, when can they serve as reinforcers?
When subjects are restricted from those responses.
How does the text illustrate the concept of reinforcement with the ice cream and vegetable example?
Deprivation of ice cream leads to increased preference for vegetables.
What is the main idea behind instrumental motivational mechanisms mentioned in the text?
Distributing responses based on individual preferences.
How does the text relate homeostasis to behavioral regulation?
Behavioral regulation helps maintain homeostasis.
What is the main difference between classical conditioning and instrumental conditioning?
Classical conditioning involves learning associations between stimuli, while instrumental conditioning involves associations between response/behavior and outcome.
According to E.L. Thorndike's experiment with puzzle boxes and food-restricted cats, what strengthened the S-R relationship?
Response to a stimulus followed by a satisfying event.
In the Discrete-trial approach, how is the behavior of the subject related to the trial?
The behavior of the subject terminates the trial.
What is measured in Thorndike's experiment involving maze types like Straight alley and T maze?
Running speed and latency to move from start box.
In the Free Operant Approach, what type of behavior will lead to rats drinking?
Rats will drink to run.
How does restricting access to a reinforcer impact response probability according to Response Deprivation?
Restricting access decreases response probability.
Study Notes
Response Deprivation Hypothesis
- Restricting access to a response makes the opportunity to perform that response a positive reinforcer.
- Depriving someone of something they usually get easily will motivate them to act stronger on it because they will want it more.
Instrumental Conditioning
- Learning associations between stimuli, behavior, and their effect on the environment.
- Leads to goal-directed behavior in life.
- Examples: brushing your teeth → no cavities.
Differences between Classical and Instrumental Conditioning
- Classical conditioning: learning associations between stimuli.
- Instrumental conditioning: associations between response/behavior and outcome.
E.L. Thorndike's Experiment
- Used puzzle boxes on food-restricted cats.
- Goal: escape and food.
- Measured latency to escape.
- Cats learned association between stimulus and response.
- Association affected by outcome.
- Rope in a box (S) + pulling rope (R) → escape + food (O).
Law of Effect
- A response to a stimulus followed by a satisfying event strengthens S-R relationship.
- Pull rope → food and escape → less time to escape.
- Response to a stimulus followed by an annoying event → weakened S-R relationship.
- Pull rope in box → shock → longer time to escape.
Modern Approaches
- Discrete-trial approach:
- Response performed once.
- Behavior of subject terminates trial (response concludes the experiment).
- Thorndike’s experiment is an example.
- Timing of the trial determined by the experimenter.
- Most common: mazes.
- Two maze types: Straight alley, T maze.
- Behavior measured: Running speed, Latency to move from start box (S), Choice behavior (only in T maze).
Free Operant Approach
- Subject is free to respond at any time.
- Measured behavior: Drinking (L) - Rats will not run to drink, Rats will drink to run.
Response Deprivation
- Restricting access to a reinforcer shifts response probability.
- Low probability responses can serve as reinforcers if subjects are restricted from that response.
Learn about the Response Deprivation Hypothesis which states that restricting access to a response can make the opportunity to perform that response a positive reinforcer. Understand how depriving someone of something they usually get easily can motivate them to act more strongly due to increased desire.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
