Behavior is changed by being REINFORCED!!!! Operant Conditioning Behavior is changed by being REINFORCED!!!!
B. F. Skinner Voluntary responses come to be controlled by their consequences Tend to repeat responses that are followed by favorable consequences Tend to avoid, or not repeat, responses that are followed by neutral or unfavorable consequences
Types of Reinforcers Positive reinforcers increase the probability that a response will occur: Money: job, grades, chores
Positive Reinforcers Praise = increased effort Attention = increased feelings of self-worth
Positive Reinforcers Food – cool dog tricks Clowning around – kids act up to see if bad behavior will get them some attention
Positive Reinforcers Even bad behavior will get you some attention!
Types of Reinforcers Negative Reinforcers Increase the probability that a response or action will occur if the stimulus if removed Calling in sick – reduces, removes, avoids or escapes the stimulus
Negative Reinforcers Addicts take drugs and avoid withdrawal symptoms You hit the snooze button and avoid getting up out of bed
Negative Reinforcers Take aspirin to avoid or remove a headache
So….. Both Positive and Negative reinforcers increase the frequency of a behavior!!!
Punishment???? Punishment is used to decrease a behavior… The presentation of a stimulus or event following a behavior that acts to decrease the likelihood of the behavior’s being repeated. Teachers reprimand a misbehaving student Friends make fun of your new outfit Parents spank an unruly child
Two Factor Theory Classical conditioning can create a phobia…
Two Factor Theory Operant conditioning can maintain a phobia through avoidance!
Schedules of Reinforcement How can we increase the rate of response or make it more resistant to extinction? Deliver the reinforcer at varying rates or intervals! How are the schedules determined? The interval of time between correct responses The ratio of correct responses to reinforcers
Skinner Box The experimental apparatus invented by B.F. Skinner to study the relationship between environmental events and active behaviors or when a reinforcer should be introduced
Fixed- Interval: Time A fixed amount of time occurs between presentation of the reinforcer Pigeon pecks at one minute intervals Report cards mailed home every six weeks ???
Variable Interval: Time A variable amount of time elapses between presentation of reinforcers Food pellets delivered at random times: pigeon pecks almost constantly Pop quizzes ???
Fixed-Ratio The reinforcer is provided after a set number of correct response Pellets delivered every 10th try: pigeon pecks constantly $25 for every 5 phone calls ???
Variable-Ratio The reinforcer is provided randomly or after a variable number of correct responses Pigeon pecks constantly Slot Machines