Reinforcement Terminology
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variable ratio (VR)
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A schedule of reinforcement requiring a varying NUMBER of responses for reinforcement
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variable interval (VI)
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A schedule of reinforcement that provides reinforcement for the first correct response following the elapse of variable durations of TIME occurring in a RANDOM or UNPREDICTABLE intervals.
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unconditioned reinforcer
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A stimulus change that increases the frequency of any behavior that immediately precedes it irrespective of the organism's learning history with the stimulus
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successive approximations
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The sequence of new response classes that emerge during the shaping process as the result of differential reinforcement; each successive response class is closer in form to the terminal behavior than the response class it replaces
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shaping
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Using differential reinforcement to produce a series of gradually changing response classes; each response class is a successive approximation toward a terminal behavior
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social validity
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Refers to the extent to which target behaviors are appropriate, intervention procedures are acceptable, and important and significant changes in target and collateral behaviors are produced
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schedule of reinforcement
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A rule specifying the environmental arrangements and response requirements for reinforcement; a description of a contingency of reinforcement
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reinforcer
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A stimulus change that increases the future frequency of behavior that immediately precedes it
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positive reinforcement
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A behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of the behavior in similar conditions
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intermittent schedule of reinforcement (INT)
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A contingency of reinforcement in which some, but not all, occurrences of the behavior produce reinforcement
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contingent
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Describes reinforcement (or punishment) that is delivered only after the target behavior has occurred
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continuous reinforcement (CRF)
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A schedule of reinforcement that provides reinforcement for each occurrence of the target behavior
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satiation
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A reinforcer loses its effectiveness, the rate at which the desired behavior is displayed tapers off until it stops.
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Fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement
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Reinforcement tied to specific number of responses (taking a break every 5 min from studying, a commission after selling 5 bottles of vitamins)
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Fixed interval schedule of reinforcement
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Reward on fixed time basis (watching the clock in afternoon classes, spelling test every Friday)
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Variable ratio schedule of reinforcement
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Variable ratio: Reward given for some behaviors (slot machines, going door to door selling Girl Scout cookies)
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Variable interval schedule of reinforcement
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Variable interval: Reward given after varying periods of time (surfers waiting for the big wave, pop quizzes)
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Primary reinforcers
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unlearned/not conditioned--biological in origin: water, food (particularly sweet/salty junk food :))
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Secondary reinforcers
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A variety of learned or conditioned reinforcers. Includes--social, activity and tangible reinforcers. Token reinforcement is also learned or a type of secondary reinforcement.
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Direct and natural reinforcers
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In response to natural cues in the environment.This type of reinforcement results directly from the appropriate behavior. For example, interacting appropriately with peers in group activities will lead to more invitations to join such activities.
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Social reinforcers
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Social reinforcers: These are reinforcers which are socially mediated by teachers, parents, other adults, and peers which express approval and praise for appropriate behavior
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Activity reinforcers
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Activity reinforcers: Activity reinforcers are very effective and positive for students. Allowing students to participate in preferred activities (such as games, computer time, etc.) is very powerful, especially if part of the reinforcement is being allowed to choose a classmate with whom to participate in the activity. This also provides social reinforcement from the partner
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Tangible reinforcers
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This category includes toys, balloons, stickers, and awards. Toys should be used with caution. Awards can be in the form of certificates, displaying work, and letters home to parents commending the students progress. These are powerfully motivating reinforcers.
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Token reinforcement
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Token reinforcement: Token reinforcement involves awarding points or tokens for appropriate behavior. These rewards have little value in themselves but can be exchanged for something of value.
