Operant Conditioning and Reinforcement Schedules (7C) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Fixed-interval (FI) schedule. Time-based: first response after set time period gets reinforced.

Reinforcement for the first response after varying time intervals. Unpredictable timing produces slow, steady response rate.

Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior. Gradually builds complex behaviors by rewarding small steps.

Positive reinforcement. Candy (pleasant) is added to increase cleaning behavior.

Removing a desired stimulus to decrease a behavior. "Negative" means removing; taking away privileges punishes.

Adding an aversive stimulus to decrease a behavior. "Positive" means adding; punishment decreases behavior.

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior. "Negative" means removing something unpleasant as a reward.

Adding a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior. "Positive" means adding something pleasant as a reward.

Negative reinforcement. Annoying buzzer removed increases buckling behavior.

Negative punishment. Desired privilege removed decreases curfew violations.

Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior. Gradually rewarding behaviors closer to the desired goal.

Inherently rewarding stimulus (e.g., food, water, warmth). Satisfies biological needs without prior learning.

Learned reinforcer paired with a primary reinforcer (e.g., money). Gains value through association with primary reinforcers.

High-probability behavior reinforces a low-probability behavior. "First eat vegetables, then dessert" uses preferred activities as rewards.

Decrease in behavior after reinforcement is withheld. Behavior stops when consequences no longer follow it.

First response after a variable time interval is reinforced. Like checking email; unpredictable timing maintains steady responding.

First response after a fixed time interval is reinforced. Like checking mail at specific delivery times.

Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. Like slot machines; most resistant to extinction.

Reinforcement after a set number of responses. Like piece-rate pay; predictable reward after specific output.

Reinforcement delivered after every occurrence of the behavior. Every correct response gets reinforced; fastest learning but quick extinction.

Adding a stimulus to increase a behavior. "Positive" means adding; rewards strengthen the behavior.

Reinforcement for the first response after varying time intervals. Unpredictable timing produces steady, moderate responding.

Variable-interval (VI) schedule. Messages arrive unpredictably after checking behavior.

Adding a stimulus to decrease a behavior. "Positive" means adding; aversive consequences weaken behavior.

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior. "Negative" means removing; relief from discomfort strengthens behavior.

A consequence that increases the future frequency of a behavior. Strengthens behavior by making it more likely to occur again.

A consequence that decreases the future frequency of a behavior. Weakens behavior by making it less likely to occur again.

Adding a stimulus to increase a behavior. Like giving praise or rewards to encourage behavior.

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior. Like stopping nagging when chores are done.