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Operant Conditioning
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Reinforcement
Reinforcement is a process that increases the frequency or probability of a behavior by adding or removing a stimulus following the behavior. Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus to encourage the behavior, while negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus.
Punishment
Punishment is a process that decreases the frequency or probability of a behavior by adding or removing a stimulus following the behavior. Positive punishment adds an unpleasant stimulus to discourage the behavior, while negative punishment removes a pleasant stimulus.
Shaping
Shaping is a technique used in behavior modification that reinforces successive approximations toward a desired behavior. It's useful when teaching complex behaviors that the subject is not currently exhibiting.
Extinction
Extinction in operant conditioning is the reduction of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced. The behavior gradually declines and eventually stops occurring.
Continuous Reinforcement
Continuous reinforcement is provided every time a desired behavior is performed. This schedule is effective for establishing a new behavior but can lead to quick extinction if reinforcement stops.
Partial Reinforcement
Partial reinforcement only occurs intermittently when the desired behavior is performed. This includes fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, and variable-interval schedules. It leads to a response that is more resistant to extinction.
Fixed-Ratio Schedule
A fixed-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a set number of desired behaviors have been performed. This leads to a high response rate with a brief pause after reinforcement (known as the post-reinforcement pause).
Variable-Ratio Schedule
A variable-ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable number of desired behaviors, leading to a high and steady rate of response with less likelihood of a post-reinforcement pause.
Fixed-Interval Schedule
In a fixed-interval schedule, reinforcement is given for the first response after a specific time period has elapsed. This causes a 'scalloping' effect, where response rates increase as the time for reinforcement approaches.
Variable-Interval Schedule
A variable-interval schedule provides reinforcement for the first response after varying time periods. This leads to a moderate, steady response rate since the time for reinforcement is unpredictable.
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