Lecture on Conditioning and Reinforcement

Introduction

• Brief recap of earlier topics in the week:
  • Classical conditioning
  • Operant conditioning
• Focus of today's lecture: Reinforcement schedules
• Discussion on positive/negative reinforcers and punishments:
  • Positive means giving something
  • Negative means taking away something
  • Reinforcement aims to increase behavior
  • Punishment aims to decrease behavior

Understanding Reinforcement and Punishment

• Example: Yelling at a student doesn't decrease behavior, hence not punishment.
• Key Point: Reinforcement increases behavior, punishment decreases it.
• Misapplication of reinforcement: Can unintentionally reinforce unwanted behaviors.

Positive and Negative Reinforcement

• Positive Reinforcement: Giving something as a reward to increase behavior (e.g., money, food).
• Negative Reinforcement: Taking away something unpleasant to increase behavior.
  • Example: Taking away a test to encourage attendance.
  • Examples in animals: Dogs barking to go outside, babies crying until fed.

Positive and Negative Punishment

• Positive Punishment: Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior (e.g., spanking).
• Negative Punishment: Taking away something desirable to decrease behavior (e.g., removing privileges).

Ethics in Conditioning

• Use of conditioning techniques can be manipulative:
  • Example: Using techniques without consent is unethical.
  • Ethical use when consent is given: Behavioral therapy, personal training.

Primary vs Secondary Reinforcers

• Primary Reinforcers: Naturally reinforcing (e.g., food, pleasure, pain, sleep, safety).
• Secondary Reinforcers: Learned to be liked (e.g., money, social capital, fashion).
• Discussion on the role of social capital and love.

Reinforcement Schedules

• Continuous vs Intermittent:
  • Continuous: Reinforcement given every time.
  • Intermittent: Reinforcement given sometimes.
• Dopamine and Anticipation:
  • Dopamine spike occurs in anticipation of reward.
  • Intermittent schedule increases anticipation and excitement.

Types of Schedules

1. Ratio Schedules: Based on number of actions.
   • Fixed Ratio: Set number of actions before reward.
   • Variable Ratio: Random number of actions before reward.
2. Interval Schedules: Based on time intervals.
   • Fixed Interval: Set time period before reward.
   • Variable Interval: Random time periods before reward.

Application of Schedules

• Fixed Ratio: Quick learning but not sustainable.
• Variable Ratio: High levels of activity, similar to gambling.
• Fixed Interval: Behavior occurs at specific times.
• Variable Interval: Consistent behavior over time.

Conclusion

• Variables in schedule used depend on desired outcome (e.g., consistency, speed of learning).
• Ethical considerations in the application of reinforcement and punishment techniques.

End of Lecture