PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING
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The work of B. F. Skinner and the use of the Skinner-box demonstrated the potential for shaping the contingency between responses and delivery of reinforcement. In other words, it is possible to modify the range of responses required in order to receive a reward. According to KentridgeÆs (2004) lecture, ôA whole range of rules can govern the contingency between responses and reinforcement û these different types of rules are referred to as schedules of reinforcementö (1). There are two primary forms of schedules of reinforcement. Those that rely upon the percentage of responses made to modify response are known as ratio schedules. Those that rely upon time as the contingency between responses and reinforcement are known as interval schedules. The two primary schedules can be combined in different ways. Ultimately there are four main types of schedules of reinforcement: Fixed-Ratio (FR) û A behavior is reinforced when it has occurred a fixed number of times. Fixed-Interval (FI) û Reinforcement is dispensed following a behavior after a specific period of time. Variable-Ratio (VR) û The amount or number of responses required for reinforcement varies around an average. Variable-Interval (VI) û The length of the interval during which performing is not reinforced varies around some average. This analysis will provide three human examples of each of the four types of schedules of reinforcement.
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ehavior in gamblers because it is unknown just when a payoff might come. Chance (2003) discusses a number of experiments conducted on gambling that produce different tendencies in individuals to continue gambling. According to chance, it is the FR schedules of reinforcement that may be responsible for compulsive gambling behavior that is difficult to extinguish, ôThe payoff in most games of chance resembles variable ratio schedules of reinforcement, and such schedules can produce high rates of behavior that are highly resistant to changeö (376).
Another example of VR schedules of reinforcement applied to human behavior has to do with sexual predators. Rapists who stalk their prey often use some ruse to lure unsuspecting victims. For example, Ted Bundy was known for using a fake cast on his arm to ask girls for help in moving his car. While Bundy could not know if his ruse would be successful on the first, second, third or more times, he kept trying over and over again until successful. Such behavior stems from the VR schedules of reinforcement involved. Chance (2003) argues that natural predators often have their behavior shaped in the same manner, ôAs fast as the Cheetah is, it does not bring down a victim every time it gi
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Approximate Word count = 2283
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)
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