Definitions
Primary Reinforcer
A consequence that functions as a reinforcer because it is important in sustaining the life of the individual or the continuation of the species
Flow
When shaping is implemented, it can create this state of flow in which we lose track of time and self.
Stimulus preference assessment
A rank-ordered list of preferred stimuli is obtained by observing choices between those stimuli.These are especially useful when working with nonverbal clients.
If the conditioned reinforcer is no longer paired with the primary reinforcer, then the conditioned reinforcer will no longer be valuable. This is due to_________ ______.
What are the pros of using a token economy?
-More difficult behaviors can be awarded more tokens. so there is fair compensation for the desired behavior.
-It is easy to keep tokens on hand and reinforce desired behavior immediately.
-Reinforcing with a token is less likely to disrupt the desired behavior relative to providing the back-up reinforcer (like access to an ipad)
-Tokens can be exchanged for a lot of different backup reinforcers, so the motivation to keep earning tokens is always high.
List examples of negative punishers.
Negative punisher: the removal or reduction of this stimulus contingent on behavior decreases the response. Example: iPad removed after hitting sister.
AKA removal of preferred stimulus
Token Economy
A set of rules governing the delivery of response-contingent conditioned reinforcers (tokens, points, etc.) that may be later exchanged for one or more backup reinforcers.
Motivating Operation
An environmental and/or biological event that (1) temporarily alters the value of a specific reinforcer and (2) increases/decreases the probability of behaviors yielding that reinforcer
Premack Principle
A high-probability behavior will function as a reinforcer when made contingent upon a low-probability behavior.
Habits are formed when an operant response has been repeatedly reinforced...
hundreds, if not thousands of times in the presence of the same antecedent stimulus.
What are the 6 principles of effective shaping?
1. Objectively define the terminal behavior.
2. Determine the dimension of the current behavior that the learner falls short.
3. Ensure that each step of the approximations are neither too easy nor too difficult.
4. Use differential reinforcement.
5. Be sure the learner has mastered each approximation before advancing to the next one.
6. If the next approximation proves too difficult, lower the reinforcement criterion until responding is reinforced again.
List examples of positive punishers.
Positive punisher: a consequence that is added to the environment that decreases the response it follows. Example: hearing "NO!" after answering a question incorrectly.
AKA adding an aversive stimulus
Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer
A conditioned reinforcer that signals a delay reduction to more than one back-up reinforcer.
Establishing Operation
An environmental and/or biological event that (1) temporarily increases the value of a specific reinforcer and (2) increases the probability of behaviors yielding that reinforcer.
Breakpoint
The breakpoint is the maximum amount of behavior the reinforcer will maintain. This is a good measure of reinforcer efficacy.
The difference between punishment and punisher is....
Punisher is a stimulus.
Punishment is the process.
What are the 4 dimensions of reinforcer efficacy?
1. Contingency
2. Immediacy
3. Quality
4. Size
List examples of negative reinforcers.
Negative reinforcer: The removal or reduction of this stimulus contingent on behavior increases the response. Example: smacking a buzzing fly removes the annoying sound.
AKA removing an aversive stimulus
Marking
The conditioned reinforcer immediately follows the response, and this helps the individual learn which response produced the backup reinforcer. For example, presenting a clicker sound (that has already been paired with a primary reinforcer) immediately after a correct response and before the primary reinforcer is presented.
Abolishing Operation
An environmental and/or biological event that (1) temporarily decreases the value of a specific reinforcer and (2) decreases the probability of behaviors yielding that reinforcer
Operant behavior that is (1) evoked by antecedent stimuli and (2) persists despite the imposition of an AO.
The difference between time out and response cost is...
Both are negative punishment procedures and they both involve the removal or reduction of a reinforcer, but the timeout is a temporary removal that is signaled
The 4 guidelines for effectively using time-out from positive reinforcement are...
1. Provide no more than one verbal warning
2. Significantly reduce access to reinforcers
3. The timeout should not be longer than 5 minutes
4. Every instance of problem behavior should result in a timeout
List examples of positive reinforcers.
Positive reinforcer: A consequence that is added to the environment that increases the response it follows. Example: Taking a bite of candy is followed by the sweet taste of candy
AKA adding a preferred stimulus
Shaping
Differential reinforcement of successive approximations to a terminal behavior.
Reinforcer Survey
a structured interview or written survey that asks the individual to identify highly preferred activities that probably function as reinforcers (we don't know for sure until we provide them contingent on a specific behavior).
Punisher
A contingent consequence that decreases the future probability of behavior below its pre-punishment baseline.
Some examples of generalized conditioned reinforcers are...
money, points, tallies, punches in a punch card
What are the 6 characteristics of effective punishment interventions?
1. Focus on reinforcement first
2. Combine punishment with extinction and/or differential reinforcement
3. Delivery punishers immediately
4. Deliver punishment contingently
5. Punish every time
6. Use a punisher in the goldilocks zone
*understand what these mean too*
Some examples of primary reinforcers for humans are...
food, water, sleep, sexual stimulation, temperature regulation, oxygen, pain reduction
Punishment
The process or procedure whereby a punisher decreases the future probability of behavior
Positive Punishment
The contingent presentation of a consequence that decreases the future probability of the response (below its no-punishment level)
Negative Punishment
The contingent removal, reduction, or prevention of a reinforcer; the effect of which decreases the future probability of the response (below its pre-punishment level)
Primary and conditioned punishers differ because...
primary punishers function as a punisher because in the evolutionary past of the species, this consequence decreased the chances of survival.
conditioned punishers are contingent consequence that signals a delay reduction to a back-up punisher