PSY402 Theories of LearningShapingSteps in Shaping a Bar PressShaping Social BehaviorSchedules of ReinforcementInterval SchedulesRatio SchedulesDifferential ReinforcementDRH SchedulesDRL SchedulesPSY402Theories of LearningFridayJanuary 31, 2003ShapingShaping – Speeds up training. Also called successive approximation procedureA desired behavior may occur infrequently and thus have little chance to be reinforced.Behaviors similar to the desired behavior are rewarded, gradually increasing the desired behavior.Steps in Shaping a Bar PressStep 1 – reinforce eating from the dispenser.Step 2 – reinforce for moving away from the dispenser (toward bar).Step 3 – reinforce for moving toward the bar.Step 4 – reinforce for pressing the bar.Shaping Social BehaviorParents typically reinforce only the final response, not successive approximations.Children may become frustrated and give up before they can obtain reward.Shaping techniques – start with simple behaviors a child can perform.Gradually introduce complex behaviors.Schedules of ReinforcementWhen and how often reinforcement occurs affects learning.Two kinds of schedules:When = interval schedulesHow often = ratio schedulesEach kind of schedule can be either fixed or variable.Interval SchedulesFixed Interval (FI) – reinforcement is available regularly after a certain amount of time goes by.The behavior must still be performed.Scallop effect.Variable Interval (VI) – the time that must go by before reward varies.Described as an average timeRatio SchedulesFixed Ratio (FR) – a specified number of behaviors must be completed before reward is given.Post-reinforcement pauseVariable Ratio (VR) – the number of behaviors needed to obtain reward is different each time.Described by an averageDifferential ReinforcementReward is contingent on performing the behavior within a specified period of time.Example: due dates for class assignmentsFor interval schedules, reward is also contingent on behavior but the opportunity still exists after each interval ends.DRH SchedulesDifferential reinforcement can be made contingent on a high rate of responding.May create a vicious circle:Danger that the animal will give up if the high rate cannot be maintained.If responding decreases, no reward will be obtained.Without reward, the behavior decreases.DRL SchedulesReinforcement is contingent on a low rate of responding.Animal is reinforced for withholding its behavior – not for showing it.If a period goes by without a response then the reward is
View Full Document
Unlocking...