Reinforcement Loop Analysis

Lesson 1: Operant Foundations

Name:

Date:

Part 1: The Core Mechanics

Define in your own words:

Reinforcement

Positive (in Behaviorism)

"If the behavior increases, it is reinforcement. If the behavior decreases, it is punishment. Do not look at the stimulus; look at the change in behavior."

Part 2: Categorizing Consequences

For each scenario, determine if it is Positive Reinforcement (PR), Negative Reinforcement (NR), Positive Punishment (PP), or Negative Punishment (NP). Justify your answer.

Scenario A: A student turns in their homework on time, and the teacher gives them a sticker. The student turns in homework on time more often in the future.

CATEGORY:

Justification:

Scenario B: You have a massive headache. You take an ibuprofen. The headache disappears. Next time you have a headache, you reach for the bottle immediately.

CATEGORY:

Scenario C: A toddler screams in the grocery store for candy. The parent yells, "Stop it!" The toddler stops screaming momentarily, but screams even louder next time they visit.

Was this reinforcement?

Type:

Scenario D: An athlete is late to practice, so the coach makes the whole team run 10 extra laps. The athlete is never late again.

Is this positive or negative?

Category:

Part 3: Behavioral Engineering

Think of a behavior you would like to increase in yourself (e.g., studying more, drinking more water, exercising). Design a Positive Reinforcement loop that would realistically help you achieve this.

1. Target Behavior (The "Operant")

Be specific. Instead of "study more," try "study biology for 30 minutes every night."

2. The Reinforcer (The Stimulus)

What is something you can add immediately after the behavior that you actually want?

3. The Schedule

How often will you get the reward? Every time? Every 3 times?

4. Potential Roadblocks

What might stop this loop from working? (e.g., getting bored of the reward).

Mechanics of Operant Conditioning and Reinforcement

Foundations of Reinforcement

The Timing of Rewards

Building Complex Behaviors

The Subjective Reward

Designing Behavioral Solutions

Reinforcement Foundations Slides

Reinforcement Loop Worksheet

Operant Essentials Teacher Guide

Scheduling Behavior Slides

Schedule Simulation Handout

Schedules Quick Reference Key

Shaping Chains Slides

Behavior Shaping Blueprint

Reinforcer Subjectivity Slides

Preference Profiler Lab

Behavioral Design Slides

Intervention Plan Template Dossier

Intervention Rubric Teacher Guide

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