PSYCH 282 - B2 - Lecture Recording - January 30

Q: What is reinforcement in the context of operant conditioning?

A: Reinforcement in operant conditioning is the process of strengthening a response by either presenting a pleasurable stimulus or removing an aversive one.

Q: How do conditioned reinforcers differ from primary reinforcers?

A: Conditioned reinforcers are stimuli that become reinforcing through association with other reinforcers, while primary reinforcers are inherently rewarding, like food or water.

Q: What is delay discounting and how does time affect the value of reinforcement?

A: Delay discounting refers to the decrease in the value of a reinforcement as the delay to its delivery increases, showing that immediate reinforcement is typically more effective.

Q: What is operant conditioning and why are responses important in this process?

A: Operant conditioning is a type of learning where behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences. Responses are important as they determine if reinforcement will be received.

Q: What is the difference between fixed ratio and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement?

A: In a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is delivered after a set number of responses, while in a variable ratio schedule, reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses.

Q: How do fixed interval schedules impact the timing of reinforcement delivery?

A: In fixed interval schedules, reinforcement is delivered for the first response after a specific time interval has passed, leading to predictable patterns of behavior.