Chapter 7- Powell, et al. Reinforcement Schedules
I.Arranging reinforcer deliveries A.Continuous reinforcement (crf) B.Intermittent (partial) reinforcement
Reinforcement Schedules II.Schedules of reinforcement A.Definition B.Why? To determine controlling variables 1.To understand existing patterns 2.To create desirable patterns B.How to schedule reinforcers 1.Based on number of responses (ratio) 2.Based on time (interval) 3.Based on response rate (IRT ) 4.Based on response duration 4.Non-contingent (response independent) 5.Complex schedules
Reinforcement Schedules III.Variable schedules A.Variable ratio schedule (VR, aka random ratio) B.Variable interval schedule (VI) C.Examples D.How to in a lab E.Patterns of responding 1.Reinforcement rates for VR 2.Reinforcement rates for VI
Reinforcement Schedules III.Variable schedules (continued) F.Why? Controlling variables 1.VI and reinforcement rate 2.VR and responses per reinforcer a.Ratio strain G.Yoked experiments 1.VI and yoked VR (equated responses/S R+ ) 2.VR and yoked VI (equated S R+ rate)
Reinforcement Schedules III.Variable schedules (continued) H.Explanations for VR>VI response rates 1.Not responses/S R+ or S R+ rate 2.Contingency (molar) 3.IRT selection (molecular) a.Limited hold (LH)
Reinforcement Schedules IV.Fixed schedules A.Fixed ratio schedule (FR) B.Fixed interval schedule (FI) C.Examples D.How to in a lab
Reinforcement Schedules IV.Fixed schedules (continued) E.Patterns of responding 1.FR a.Postreinforcement pause (PRP) b.Break-and-run c.Ratio strain 2.FI scallop 3.Discriminable periods of non- reinforcement (cf VI and VR)
Reinforcement Schedules V. Differential schedules A.Differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) B.Differential reinforcement of high rates (DRH) C.Differential reinforcment of paced responding (DRP) VI. Non-contingent schedules A.Fixed time (FT) B.Variable time (VT) C.Skinner’s superstition experiment
Reinforcement Schedules VII.Complex schedules A.Conjunctive schedules B.Adjusting schedules C.Chained schedules
Reinforcement Theories VIII. What constitutes “reinforcement?” A.Law of Effect tautology B.Transsituationality C.Drive reduction theory D.Incentive theory E.Premack principle F.Response deprivation F.Behavioral bliss point