Foundational Knowledge Flashcards

Which type of reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus following a behavior?

Answer: Negative reinforcement

Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing or avoiding an aversive (unpleasant) stimulus.

A child engages in a behavior that previously produced candy, but candy is no longer delivered. Over time the behavior decreases. This process is called:

Answer: Extinction

Extinction occurs when reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior is withheld, causing the behavior to decrease.

Which of the following is an example of a conditioned reinforcer?

Answer: Money

Money is a conditioned (secondary) reinforcer because its reinforcing value is learned through pairing with other reinforcers.

The principle that states behavior is a function of its consequences is the foundation of:

Answer: Operant conditioning

Operant conditioning, established by Skinner, holds that behavior is selected and maintained by its environmental consequences.

A stimulus that precedes a behavior and signals that reinforcement is available is called a:

Answer: Discriminative stimulus (SD)

A discriminative stimulus (SD) sets the occasion for a behavior by signaling that reinforcement is available.

Which schedule of reinforcement is most resistant to extinction?

Answer: Variable ratio

Variable ratio schedules produce high, steady rates of responding and are the most resistant to extinction.

Positive punishment differs from negative punishment in that positive punishment:

Answer: Decreases behavior by adding an aversive stimulus

Positive punishment decreases behavior by adding (presenting) an aversive stimulus after the behavior occurs.