Chapter 7- Powell, et al.

Reinforcement Schedules

Reinforcement Schedules

I.Arranging reinforcer deliveries

A.Continuous reinforcement (crf)

B.Intermittent (partial) reinforcement

Reinforcement Schedules

II.Schedules of reinforcementA.DefinitionB.Why? To determine controlling variables

1.To understand existing patterns2.To create desirable patterns

B.How to schedule reinforcers1.Based on number of responses (ratio)2.Based on time (interval)3.Based on response rate (IRT )4.Based on response duration4.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 rate2.VR and responses per reinforcer

a.Ratio strain G.Yoked experiments

1.VI and yoked VR (equated responses/SR+)2.VR and yoked VI (equated SR+ rate)

Reinforcement Schedules

III.Variable schedules (continued)H.Explanations for VR>VI response rates

1.Not responses/SR+ or SR+ rate2.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-runc.Ratio strain

2.FI scallop3.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