Reinforcement
Types of reinforcement
Positive reinforcement
With positive reinforcement, something positive is added after the desired response. For example, a dog receives a treat after foing the trick correctly.
Negative reinforcement
With negative reinforcement something negative is taken away after the desired response. For example, the annoying seat belt noise goes away after the driver buckles.
It is important to remember that all reinforcement increases the desired behavior.
Schedules of reinforcement
Continuous- everytime the desired behavior occurs, it is reinforced.
Fixed Ratio- provides reinforcement only after a certain ("fixed") number of correct responses have been made. (i.e. reinforced every fifth time)
Variable ratio- provides reinforcement after a variable number of correct responses, usually working out an average in the long run
nterval- provides reinforcement for the first response made after a specific period of time (i.e. being reinforced every Friday). Foxed interval schedules are not very effective because you see rapid responding near the time of reinforcement and then a lag in responding when there is going to be no reinforcement.
Variable interval- provides reinforcement after a variable amout of time has elapsed.