PSYCH 1X03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Reinforcement, Vari-Lite, Overjustification Effect
11 Dec 2015
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Document Summary
A variable schedule means that reinforcement will be given on average after a certain amount of time has passed or number of behaviours has been performed. An interval schedule means that the reinforcement is offered based on the amount of time that has passed. The number associated with the schedule describes how much time will pass between rewards (not the number of rewards). Therefore, a vi-5 schedule means that one reward will be given approximately every 5 hours. The overjustification effect occurs when individuals are rewarded for a behaviour that previously has intrinsic value, and now only has extrinsic value once it has been reinforced. In this scenario, the intern actually sees more intrinsic value in her behaviour once it is no longer reinforced. This scenario uses a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement, where the dog is reinforced for approximately every 7 times it produces a response (sitting).
