PSYC 2000 Chapter : Learning Part 2
Document Summary
The learning of voluntary behavior through the effects of pleasant and unpleasant consequences to responses. Whether or not something is reinforcing or punishing is determined by the effect that thing or event has on future behavior. Reinforcement: any event or stimulus, that when following a response, increases that probability that the response will occur again. Primary reinforcers: any reinforce that is naturally reinforcing by meeting a basic biological need, such as hunger, thirst, or touch. Secondary reinforcers: any reinforce that becomes reinforcing after being paired with a primary reinforce, such as praise, tokens, or gold stars. Positive reinforcement: the reinforcement of a response by the addition or experience of a pleasurable stimulus. Stickers for engaging in boring psychological testing, clickers for attendance. Negative reinforcement: the reinforcement of a response by the removal, escape from, or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus. Example: taking aspirin for a headache is negatively reinforced: removal of headache. Using drugs when experiencing withdrawal symptoms, cleaning.
