05/06/14 Token Economy

• Token Economy- Every time a desired behavior is performed, a token is given.
• They can trade tokens in for a variety of prizes (reinforcers)
• Used in homes, prisons, mental institutions, and schools. 
• Ratio Schedules
1. Fixed Ratio- Provides a reinforcement after a set number of responses.
2. Variable Ratio- Provides a reinforcement of random number of responses.
• Interval Schedules
1. Fixed Interval- Requires a set amount of time to elapse before giving the reinforcement.
2. Variable Interval- Requires a random amount of time to elapse before giving the reinforcement.
• Very hard to get acquisition but also very resistant to extinction. 
• Observational Learning 
• Albert Bandura and his Bobo doll. 
• We learn through modeling behavior from others.

• Observational Learning + Operant Conditioning= Social Learning Theory
• Latent Learning
• Edward Toleman
• Three rat experiment
• Latent means hidden
• Sometimes learning is not immediately evident.
• Insight Learning
• Wolfgang Kohler and his chimpanzees.
• Some animals learn through the "ah ha" experience.
• A reinforcement is used to increase a desired behavior.
• A punishment is used to decrease an unwanted behavior.