Behavior is changed by being REINFORCED!!!!

B. F. SkinnerVoluntary 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 ReinforcersPositive

reinforcers increase the probability that a response will occur:Money: job,

grades, chores

Positive ReinforcersPraise = increased

effort

Attention = increased feelings of self-worth

Positive ReinforcersFood – cool dog

tricks

Clowning around – kids act up to see if bad behavior will get them some attention

Positive ReinforcersEven bad behavior

will get you some attention!

Types of ReinforcersNegative

ReinforcersIncrease 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 ReinforcersAddicts take drugs

and avoid withdrawal symptoms

You hit the snooze button and avoid getting up out of bed

Negative ReinforcersTake 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 TheoryClassical

conditioning can create a phobia…

Two Factor TheoryOperant

conditioning can maintain a phobia through avoidance!

Schedules of ReinforcementHow 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 BoxThe 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: TimeA fixed amount of

time occurs between presentation of the reinforcerPigeon pecks at one

minute intervalsReport cards mailed

home every six weeks

???

Variable Interval: TimeA variable amount of

time elapses between presentation of reinforcersFood pellets

delivered at random times: pigeon pecks almost constantly

Pop quizzes???

Fixed-Ratio The reinforcer is

provided after a set number of correct responsePellets delivered

every 10th try: pigeon pecks constantly

$25 for every 5 phone calls

???

Variable-RatioThe reinforcer is

provided randomly or after a variable number of correct responsesPigeon pecks

constantly

Slot Machines