Concept Questions - History & Systems
Neobehaviorism
Observationism (Bridgman): language of science needs to be objective & precise
Rid science of “pseudoproblems”
A concept is the same as the set of operations or procedures by which it is determined
Operational Definition
Determines validity
Neobehaviorism
Purposive Behaviorism: study of overt behaviors with goal-directed behavior
Behavior is due to intention of achieving a goal or a means to an end (only interested in overt behavior)
Learning Theory: repeated performance strengthens the learned relationship between environment & expectations
Not reinforcement
Edward Tolman
Intervening Variables: Unobserved, inferred factors within an organism that are the real determinants of behavior
Occurs between the independent variable and the response (S-O-R Psychology)
These factors can be described in relation to empirical variables that we can measure
Tolman, cont.
Create a theory of behavior based on Pavlov
Principles of Behavior (1943)
Hypothetico-Deductive Method: theories should be developed which establish testable hypotheses
Law of Primary Reinforcement: when S-R relationship is followed by a reduction in need, the probability increases the same stimulus will evoke the same response later
Clark Hull
Drives
Primary drive: innate biological need states
Secondary drive: situations or environmental stimuli with reduction of primary drives
Habit Strength: greater number of reinforcements encountered, the stronger the association between them
Hull, etc.
Revitalization of Watson’s behaviorism
“Empty-organism” approach: belief that humans are controlled by forces in the environment
Operant Conditioning: behavior is emitted from an organism
Law of Acquisition: strength of an operant behavior is increased when reinforced
B.F. Skinner
Reinforcement Schedules: partial reinforcement is stronger than continuous
Interval: certain amount of time passes between reinforcements
Ratio: reinforcement occurs after a certain number of time the behavior occurs
Fixed and random types
Extinction is more difficult
Skinner, cont.
| Fixed: the same | Variable: different | |
| Interval: Amount of time between reinforcements | ||
| Ratio: Number of times behavior occurs |
| Fixed: the same | Variable: different | |
| Interval: Amount of time between reinforcements | Fixed interval: Reinforcements given after a fixed amount of time (e.g. pets knowing when it’s time to eat) | |
| Ratio: Number of times behavior occurs |
| Fixed: the same | Variable: different | |
| Interval: Amount of time between reinforcements | Fixed interval: Reinforcements given after a fixed amount of time (e.g. pets knowing when it’s time to eat) | Variable interval: the amount of time between reinforcements varies (e.g. fishing) |
| Ratio: Number of times behavior occurs |
| Fixed: the same | Variable: different | |
| Interval: Amount of time between reinforcements | Fixed interval: Reinforcements given after a fixed amount of time (e.g. pets knowing when it’s time to eat) | Variable interval: the amount of time between reinforcements varies (e.g. fishing) |
| Ratio: Number of times behavior occurs | Fixed ratio: the behavior must occur a set number of times (e.g. pay based on each 10 products made on an assembly line) |
| Fixed: the same | Variable: different | |
| Interval: Amount of time between reinforcements | Fixed interval: Reinforcements given after a fixed amount of time (e.g. pets knowing when it’s time to eat) | Variable interval: the amount of time between reinforcements varies (e.g. fishing) |
| Ratio: Number of times behavior occurs | Fixed ratio: the behavior must occur a set number of times (e.g. pay based on each 10 products made on an assembly line) | Variable ratio: behaviors are rewarded an average number of times but on an unpredictable basis (e.g. slot machines) |