Module 16 operational thinking

Operational thinkingOperant Conditioning – A type of learning in

which the frequency of a behavior depends on the consequence that follows that behavior

The Law EffectDefinition: created by Edward Thornop, and

it states behaviors with favorable consequences are more likely to occur than behaviors with less favorable consequences.

B.F. Skinner – Developed the fundamental principles and techniques of Operant Conditioning and devised ways to apply them in the real worldExample: Teaching rats to press a bar for food

(positive reinforcement)

ReinforcementReinforcement – Any consequence that

increases the future likelihood of a behaviorPositive Reinforcement: Behavior followed by

positive event or state.Negative Reinforcement: Occurs when a

behavior ends in undesirable event or state.

PunishmentPunishment – Any consequence that

decreases the future likelihood of a behavior

Punishment can sometimes lead to fear and anxietyTime out Burned by hot stove

Types of ReinforcementPrimary Reinforcement – Something that

is naturally reinforcing such as food, warmth, and water

Secondary Reinforcement – Something that you have learned to value such as money

Reinforcement Procedures

ShapingShaping – When you positively reinforce

behaviors that move closer to the target behaviorYou have to provide encouragement even when

children fail at a task.You must also provide positive reinforcement

that moves closer and closer to the target behavior.

Discrimination and ExtinctionDiscrimination: ability to distinguish between

two similar signals or stimuli.Extinction: loss of behavior when no

consequence follows it.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Continuous Reinforcement Schedules – Rewards follow every correct response

Partial Reinforcement Schedule – Reward follows only some correct responses

Fix interval schedule Rewards only the first correct response after

some defined time period

Variable interval ScheduleRequires a period of time to pass before a

correct response is awardedEx: rat doesn’t know award interval

Fixed Variable RatioRequires a certain number of correct

responses before reinforcement occurs

Variable RatioRequires a number of correct responses

before reinforcement, but the number is unpredictable because of changes after each reinforcement

The Role of CognitionLatent Learning- Learning that occurs but is

not apparent until the learner has a incentive to demonstrate it

Cognitive map- mental representation of a place

Over justification effect- the effect of promising a reward for doing what one already likes to do. The reward may lessen and replace the person’s original, natural motivation, so that the behaviors stop if the reward is eliminated.