| Term | Definition |
| Operant conditioning | is learning in which behavior is shaped by its consequences |
| Reinforcement | increases the likelihood of behavior, while punishment decreases
it. |
| Positive Reinforcement | Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior (e.g.,
giving a treat for good behavior) |
| Negative Reinforcement | Removing an aversive stimulus to increase behavior
(e.g., taking away chores for good grades) |
| Positive Punishment | Adding an unpleasant stimulus to reduce behavior (e.g.,
scolding). |
| Negative Punishment | Removing a pleasant stimulus to reduce behavior (e.g.,
taking away privileges) |
| Fixed-Ratio Schedule | Reinforcement after a fixed number of responses (e.g.,
earning a reward after every 10 purchases). |
| Variable-Ratio Schedule | Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of
responses (e.g., slot machines). |
| Fixed-Interval Schedule | Reinforcement after a fixed amount of time (e.g., a
paycheck every two weeks). |
| Variable-Interval Schedule | Reinforcement after varying time intervals (e.g.,
checking your phone for a message). |
| Shaping | A process of reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior. For example, training a rat to press a lever by rewarding closer and closer steps toward the lever |
| Extinction in Operant Conditioning | Occurs when a behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior |
| Premack Principle | Using a more preferred activity to reinforce a less preferred one. For example, a child must finish homework before being allowed to play video games |
| Token Economies | Systems in which tokens are earned for desired behaviors and
can be exchanged for rewards |
| Behavior Modification | sing operant conditioning techniques to encourage
positive behaviors and reduce negative ones (e.g., in classroom management or therapy) |
