Prep Guide 7

PREPARATION GUIDE 7

Based on: D&B 16, 17, & 21

 

 

D&B Chapter 16.  

1. What is continuous reinforcement compared to intermittent reinforcement? When should you utilize continuous reinforcement schedules? When should you utilize intermittent schedules of behavior?

2. Describe the 4 advantages of intermittent reinforcement. Why does intermittent reinforcement have so many advantages? 

3. Describe each of the four basic schedules. 

4. Give a workplace example of workplace reinforcers that could be delivered on each the 4 basic schedules of reinforcement (FR, VR, FI, VI). Try to come up with an example for each that was not in the lecture or the book.

5. What does the research suggest about pay and performance? If you’ve had experience with this type of pay what is your response to this?

6. Understanding schedules, which schedule do you think is the most common in business? How could you arrange reinforcement schedules within your workplace?

D&B Chapter 17  

1. What types of challenges can be targeted by understanding schedules of reinforcement?

2. Give an example of how fixed intervals are used in the workplace. Within your discussion of the example, comment on what responding might look like (i.e., pattern of responding).

3. Does every workplace behavior for a performer need the same schedule of reinforcement? Provide an example to support your response.

4. How could you add in an extra reinforcement schedule?

5. What is thinning? Why is thinning important? Provide an example of thinning a reinforcement schedule.

6. What is a ratio strain and what happens during a ratio strain? If ratio strain were occurring, what might you do as a leader?

D&B Chapter 21

1. What are the basic steps for planning reinforcement?

2. Why might themes be used in planning reinforcement? Give an example of a theme that could be individualized to your workplace.

3. How should you plan celebrations? How could you plan a celebration in your workplace?

4. What is a reinforcement system? What are some defining features of reinforcement systems?

5. Give an example of internal and external competitions. How could you effectively set-up a contest in your workplace (see p. 292).

6. What are the issues with programs like employee of the month and forced distribution systems? What are common reasons that supporters of performance appraisals or forced distribution systems say they need such systems?

7. What is an alternative to forced distribution systems?