1. Human Learning
Topic 5.5: Motivational Mechanisms.
Cedp 324 - Ryan Sain, Ph.D. 3/30/2012
1
2. How is behavior
motivated?
Two theories
Associative processes
Like Thorndike and Pavlov
Very molecular
Behavioral regulation
Skinner
Molar
Focus on function
3. A note on notation
Your author’s notation
S R O
Respons
Stimulus Outcome
e
What I prefer (and what you’ll see on the test)
I don’t like the O (it’s rather confusing)
Sd R Sr,p+/-
Respons
Stimulus Stimulus
e
4. Associative Structure
Consistent with Thorndike and Pavlov
Uses a S-R-S system (the three term contingency)
But focuses on individual responses
Focuses on the associations
S R Sr,p+/-
Respons
Stimulus Stimulus
e
Reinforcers strengthen / punishers weaken
5. Associative Structure
And the association:
S Sr,p+/-
Stimulus Stimulus
R
Respons
e
Connects the environment/context to a consequence
Expectation motivates
6. Dual processes?
Rescorla and Solomon
Two processes interact
Classical and instrumental (operant)
Classical:
Δ Emotional State
S Sr,p+/-
Stimulus Stimulus R
Emotional states then motivate the response Respons
e
State is determined by type of stimulus (consequence)
7. Behavioral Regulation
Ties very closely with Skinner
Uses a S-R-S system (the three
term contingency)
Focuses on the third term
Not about forming associations
Organisms learn limits of
behavior
Redistribute activity accordingly
Reinforcers are actually preferred
behavior
Eating, drinking, etc
8. Premack
Premack’s principle
High probability behavior will reinforce
low.
Indicates that reinforcement is access
to a behavior
Used with schizophrenia
Used high probablity behavior (sitting)
to reinforce coil stripping
Used with autism
Echolalia reinforces some type of
training task
Performed better than food
9. The original study
Kids
Candy Pinball
Eating Playing
Play
Eating
Pinball
Play
Sr Eating Sr
Pinball
10. Response deprivation
Limit access to
reinforcer (preferred
activity)
Makes the reinforcer
more valuable
Even works with low
probability behavior
Hold a behavior at below
baseline level
Access to it will now be
a reinforcer
11. Behavioral Bliss
Regulation theory predicts:
A preferred level of responding – stable - baseline
Engaging in TV watching
Wheel running
Eating, etc.
homework
Life isn’t all bliss
Must balance activities
REDISTRIBUTE responses to maximize bliss
12. More bliss
Constraints limit our ideal level of responding
Want more TV?
Have to do more homework.
Response deprivation and bliss
Restrict TV access
Turn it into a Sr for studying
To return to bliss level of TV watching – you must do
more homework
It’s all about getting to bliss