Chapter 10- Reinforcement

What is reinforcement?

• A naturally occurring behavioral process

• A process in which a behavior is weakened as a result of a consequence that follows the behavior

• A process in which a behavior is strengthened as a result of a consequence that follows the behavior

• A strategy invented by behaviorists

Answer explanation

Reinforcement is a process where behavior is strengthened by a consequence. It is not a naturally occurring process or a strategy invented by behaviorists. The correct choice is 'A process in which a behavior is strengthened as a result of a consequence that follows the behavior'.

How can reinforcement be used?

• To strengthen or increase all types of behaviors, including academic behaviors

• To establish new behaviors

• To decrease the frequency, rate, intensity, duration, or form of a behavior

• To discourage appropriate, prosocial behavior

Answer explanation

Reinforcement is used to establish new behaviors.

What is shaping?

• The process of reinforcing successive approximations to a desired target behavior

• The process of reinforcing the exact target behavior

• The process of punishing undesired behaviors

• The process of ignoring behaviors

Answer explanation

Shaping is the process of reinforcing the exact target behavior.

What are the goals of reinforcement?

• To eliminate the need for intrinsic reinforcement

• To rely solely on natural contingencies to maintain behavior

• To gradually withdraw formal reinforcement supports

• To increase the use of formal reinforcement interventions

Answer explanation

The goal of reinforcement is to eliminate the need for intrinsic reinforcement.

What is intrinsic reinforcement?

• The use of secondary reinforcers

• External reinforcement provided by teachers or caregivers

• The feeling of self-satisfaction, success, or accomplishment

• The use of primary reinforcers

Answer explanation

Intrinsic reinforcement refers to the feeling of self-satisfaction, success, or accomplishment. It is the use of primary reinforcers.

What are primary reinforcers?

• Stimuli that we need to survive or that have biological value

• Stimuli that are conditioned reinforcers

• Stimuli that have no intrinsic value for survival

• Stimuli that are social reinforcers

Answer explanation

Primary reinforcers are stimuli that have no intrinsic value for survival.

What are secondary reinforcers?

• Stimuli that we need to survive or that have biological value

• Stimuli that are social reinforcers

• Stimuli that have no intrinsic value for survival

• Stimuli that are conditioned reinforcers

Answer explanation

Secondary reinforcers are stimuli that are social reinforcers.

Which of the following is a social reinforcer?

• Games

• Stickers

• Praise

• Food

Answer explanation

Praise is a social reinforcer that positively reinforces behavior through verbal recognition and approval.

What is the purpose of using praise as a reinforcer?

• To increase the use of material reinforcers

• To improve desired behavior

• To reduce off-task, noncompliant, or incorrect responses

• To decrease task engagement and compliance

Answer explanation

Praise is used as a reinforcer to increase the use of material reinforcers and improve desired behavior.

What are the two general types of reinforcement schedules?

• Primary and secondary

• Continuous and intermittent

• Ratio and interval

• Shaping and fading

Answer explanation

The two general types of reinforcement schedules are continuous and intermittent. Continuous reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs, while intermittent reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior only sometimes.