2. CP PSYCHOLOGY CP PSYCHOLOGY CHAPTER 2 Learning Theories

3. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) operates Operant Conditioning: learning from the consequences of behavior (operates on the environment) BF Skinner is most closely associated with this system of rewards and punishments

4. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) Reinforcement: an event or stimulus that increases the chance a recent behavior will be repeated Schedules of Reinforcement: The timing and frequency of reinforcement Continuous Schedule: reinforces every time the desired behavior occurs Skinner Box

5. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) Partial Schedule: reinforcing behavior intermittently to make it more predictable and last longer Four Basic Partial Schedules: Two based on time intervals, two based on number of responses - Fixed-Ratio Schedule: reinforcement depends on a fixed quantity of responses - Variable-Ratio Schedule: number of responses required varies from one time to the next - Fixed-Interval Schedule: reinforces the first response after a fixed time has elapsed - Variable-Interval Schedule: the time at which reinforcement becomes available changes

6. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) Effects of Different Reinforcement Schedules - Fixed-Ratio: Organism responds at high steady rate … Ex. Piecework type jobs - Variable-Ratio: Organism responds at very high rate. Hard to extinguish. Ex. Gamblers in Casino - Fixed-Interval: Slow, steady responding … gets faster near reinforcement time. Ex. Schoolwork - Variable-Interval: Slowest but steady responding … doesn’t vary much over time. Ex. E-mail

7. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) Variable Interval Number of responses 1000 750 500 250 0 10203040506070 Time (minutes) Fixed Ratio Variable Ratio Fixed Interval Steady responding Rapid responding near time for reinforcement 80

8. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) Primary Reinforcer: satisfies a basic, natural need, such as hunger, thirst etc. Secondary Reinforcer: a conditioned reinforcer that was previously a neutral stimulus Stimuli associated with rewards or punishments often become signals for particular behavior

9. Operant Conditioning (2Q2) Aversive Control: unpleasant events or consequences are used to influence behavior Negative Reinforcement: Painful/unpleasant stimulus is removed or not applied in order to elicit behavior Escape Conditioning: Correct behavior causes an unpleasant event to stop Avoidance Conditioning: Correct behavior prevents unpleasant stimulus from being applied

10. Operant Conditioning (2Q2)

11. Punishment: Unpleasant consequence is applied in order to decrease or eliminate undesired behavior Punishment can produce unwanted side effects such as rage, aggression and fear.

12. Operant Conditioning (2Q2)