Reinforcement Terminology

Unlock all answers in this set

Unlock answers
question
variable ratio (VR)
answer
A schedule of reinforcement requiring a varying NUMBER of responses for reinforcement
question
variable interval (VI)
answer
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.
question
unconditioned reinforcer
answer
A stimulus change that increases the frequency of any behavior that immediately precedes it irrespective of the organism's learning history with the stimulus
question
successive approximations
answer
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
question
shaping
answer
Using differential reinforcement to produce a series of gradually changing response classes; each response class is a successive approximation toward a terminal behavior
question
social validity
answer
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
question
schedule of reinforcement
answer
A rule specifying the environmental arrangements and response requirements for reinforcement; a description of a contingency of reinforcement
question
reinforcer
answer
A stimulus change that increases the future frequency of behavior that immediately precedes it
question
positive reinforcement
answer
A behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of the behavior in similar conditions
question
intermittent schedule of reinforcement (INT)
answer
A contingency of reinforcement in which some, but not all, occurrences of the behavior produce reinforcement
question
contingent
answer
Describes reinforcement (or punishment) that is delivered only after the target behavior has occurred
question
continuous reinforcement (CRF)
answer
A schedule of reinforcement that provides reinforcement for each occurrence of the target behavior
question
satiation
answer
A reinforcer loses its effectiveness, the rate at which the desired behavior is displayed tapers off until it stops.
question
Fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement
answer
Reinforcement tied to specific number of responses (taking a break every 5 min from studying, a commission after selling 5 bottles of vitamins)
question
Fixed interval schedule of reinforcement
answer
Reward on fixed time basis (watching the clock in afternoon classes, spelling test every Friday)
question
Variable ratio schedule of reinforcement
answer
Variable ratio: Reward given for some behaviors (slot machines, going door to door selling Girl Scout cookies)
question
Variable interval schedule of reinforcement
answer
Variable interval: Reward given after varying periods of time (surfers waiting for the big wave, pop quizzes)
question
Primary reinforcers
answer
unlearned/not conditioned--biological in origin: water, food (particularly sweet/salty junk food :))
question
Secondary reinforcers
answer
A variety of learned or conditioned reinforcers. Includes--social, activity and tangible reinforcers. Token reinforcement is also learned or a type of secondary reinforcement.
question
Direct and natural reinforcers
answer
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.
question
Social reinforcers
answer
Social reinforcers: These are reinforcers which are socially mediated by teachers, parents, other adults, and peers which express approval and praise for appropriate behavior
question
Activity reinforcers
answer
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
question
Tangible reinforcers
answer
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.
question
Token reinforcement
answer
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.
Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New