schedules of reinforcement, counterconditioning and flooding

• what is continuous reinforcement?

  every correct or desired behaviour is followed by reinforcement
• what is partial reinforcement ?

  reinforcement is only delivered some of the time when behaviour occurs
• fixed ratio schedule : reinforcement is provided after a set number of responses
• variable ratio schedule : reinforcement is provided after an unpredictable number of responses
• fixed interval schedule : reinforcement is provided for the first response after a set amount of time has passed
• variable interval schedule : reinforcement is provided for the first response after an unpredictable amount of time has passed
• what is counterconditioning?


  a behavioural technique used to replace an undesirable or maladaptive response with a more desired or adaptive one
• what is flooding?


  a technique used to treat anxiety, fear or phobias by exposing an animal to the source of its fear in a full, intense manner
• what is a positive to flooding?


  it is quicker than gradual methods
• what are the negatives to flooding?


  • high stress and trauma
  • worsening the fear
  • risk of escalation or aggression
  • learned helplessness
  • damage to trust