“If a behavior is followed closely in time by a stimulus event and as a result the future frequency of that type of behavior increases in similar conditions” best describes which of the following?

Question: “If a behavior is followed closely in time by a stimulus event and as a result the future frequency of that type of behavior increases in similar conditions” best describes which of the following?

Options:

1. Punishment
2. Extinction
3. Reinforcement
4. Conditioned Response

Correct Answer: 3. Reinforcement

Explanation: Reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed closely in time by a stimulus event, resulting in an increase in the future frequency of that behavior under similar conditions. Reinforcement can be either positive (adding a stimulus) or negative (removing a stimulus). Still, in both cases, the effect is an increase in the behavior’s occurrence because the consequence is reinforcing.

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Types of Reinforcement

1. Positive Reinforcement:
   • Definition: Adding a desirable stimulus following a behavior increases the likelihood of that behavior recurring.
   • Example: A child receives praise (the reinforcer) after cleaning their room, making them more likely to clean again in the future.
   • Key aspect: Something pleasant is added to the environment.
2. Negative Reinforcement:
   • Definition: The removal of an aversive stimulus following a behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior recurring.
   • Example: A student completes their homework to avoid getting detention, making them more likely to do homework in the future.
   • Key aspect: Something unpleasant is removed from the environment.
   • Note: Often confused with punishment, but negative reinforcement strengthens behavior, while punishment weakens it.
3. Primary Reinforcement:
   • Definition: Reinforcers that satisfy basic biological needs.
   • Also known as: Unconditioned reinforcers
   • Examples: Food, water, sleep, physical comfort
   • Key aspect: These are inherently reinforcing without need for learning.
4. Secondary Reinforcement:
   • Definition: Reinforcers that have acquired their reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers or other secondary reinforcers.
   • Also known as: Conditioned reinforcers
   • Examples: Money, grades, social approval
   • Key aspect: These become reinforcing through a learning process.
5. Intrinsic Reinforcement:
   • Definition: Reinforcement that comes from within the individual, often in the form of positive feelings or satisfaction.
   • Example: The personal satisfaction of mastering a new skill
   • Key aspect: The reinforcement is internal and not dependent on external sources.
6. Extrinsic Reinforcement:
   • Definition: Reinforcement that comes from external sources.
   • Examples: Tangible rewards, praise from others
   • Key aspect: The reinforcement is provided by the environment or other individuals.
7. Social Reinforcement:
   • Definition: Reinforcement that involves social interaction or approval.
   • Examples: Smiles, compliments, attention
   • Key aspect: Particularly important in human behavior due to our social nature.
8. Token Reinforcement:
   • Definition: A system where tokens are given as immediate reinforcers and can be exchanged later for other reinforcers.
   • Example: A child earns stars for good behavior, which can be traded for prizes
   • Key aspect: Bridges the gap between immediate and delayed reinforcement.