Operant Conditioning The Learner is NOT passive Learning

Operant Conditioning The Learner is NOT passive. Learning based on consequence!!!

Skinner Box

The Law of Effect Click picture to see a better explanation of the Law of Effect. • Edward Thorndike • Locked cats in a cage • states that "responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again in that situation, and responses that produce a discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation. " • Behavior changes because of its consequences. • Rewards strengthen behavior. • If consequences are unpleasant, the Stimulus. Reward connection will weaken. • Called the whole process instrumental learning.

Thorndike’s Puzzle Box

• A reinforcer is anything that INCREASES a behavior. Positive Reinforcement: • The addition of something pleasant. Negative Reinforcement: • The removal of something unpleasant. • Two types of NR • Escape Learning: A type of learning in which the subject acquires a response that terminates some aversive stimulation. • Avoidance Learning: A type of learning in which the subject acquires a response that enables it to avoid an unpleasant stimulus altogether. Determine type of learning: Getting kicked out of class versus cutting class Reinforces

Primary & Secondary Reinforcers

Primary Reinforcement • • Something that is naturally satisfying Examples: food, warmth, water, etc. The item is reinforcing in and of itself If on a deserted island, these are what you’d want!

Conditioned/Secondary Reinforcement • Something that a person has Learned to value or finds rewarding because it is paired or associated with a primary reinforcer • Money is a good example. • So are grades and signs of respect & approval.

Positive or Negative? Putting your seatbelt on. Faking sick to avoid AP Psych class. Studying for a test. Having a headache and taking an aspirin. Breaking out of jail. Getting a kiss for doing the dishes.

Positive/Negative Reinforcement BOTH ARE GOOD THINGS!!!

Reinforcement Schedules How often to you give the reinforcer? • Every time or just sometimes you see the behavior.

Ratio Schedules Fixed Ratio Variable Ratio • Provides a reinforcement after a SET number of responses. • Provides a reinforcement after a RANDOM number of responses. • Very hard to get acquisition but also very resistant to extinction. Fixed Ratio- She gets a manicure for every 5 pounds she loses.

Interval Schedules Fixed Interval • Requires a SET amount of time to elapse before giving the reinforcement. Variable Interval • Requires a RANDOM amount of time to elapse before giving the reinforcement. • Very hard to get acquisition but also very resistant to extinction. Fixed Interval: She gets a manicure for every 7 days she stays on her diet.

Continuous v. Partial Reinforcement • • Continuous Reinforce the behavior EVERYTIME the behavior is exhibited. Usually done when the subject is first learning to make the association. Acquisition comes really fast. But so does extinction. Partial • Reinforce the behavior only SOME of the times it is exhibited. • Acquisition comes more slowly. • But is more resistant to extinction. • FOUR types of Partial Reinforcement schedules.

Premack Principle Emma Key’s might be a great positive reinforcer for me, but it would not work well on a vegetarian. • states that high probability behaviors can be used to reinforce low probability behaviors. • You have to take into consideration the reinforcers used. • Is the reinforcer wanted…. or at least is it more preferable than the targeted behavior.

Punishment Meant to decrease a behavior. Positive Punishment – Addition of something unpleasant. Negative Punishment (Omission Training) – Removal of something pleasant. Punishment works best when it is immediately done after behavior and if it is harsh!

Positive Punishment (Punishment by Application) • Something is added to the environment you do NOT like. • A verbal reprimand or something painful like a spanking

Negative Punishment (Punishment by Removal) • Something is taken away that you DO LIKE. • Lose a privilege.

Token Economy • Every time a desired behavior is performed, a token is given. • They can trade tokens in for a variety of prizes (reinforcers) • Used in homes, prisons, mental institutions and schools.