Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Progressive-ratio Responding for Palatable High-fat and High-sugar Food in Mice
11:16

Progressive-ratio Responding for Palatable High-fat and High-sugar Food in Mice

Published on: May 3, 2012

Force and rate relations in responding during variable-interval reinforcement

D E Mintz, R M Samuels, N G Barber

    Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    |November 1, 1976
    PubMed

    More Related Videos

    Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE06:57

    Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE

    Published on: May 14, 2019

    Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats09:12

    Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats

    Published on: March 17, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Operant Conditioning01:21

    Operant Conditioning

    Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
    Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
    Primary and Secondary Reinforcers01:23

    Primary and Secondary Reinforcers

    In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
    Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
    Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction01:24

    Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction

    Generalization, discrimination, and extinction are key concepts in operant conditioning that influence how behaviors are learned and maintained.
    Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
    Reinforcement Schedules01:24

    Reinforcement Schedules

    Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
    Once a behavior is learned,...
    Timing and Consequences on Behavior01:08

    Timing and Consequences on Behavior

    In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective. 
    Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
    Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

    Operant Conditioning Intervention

    Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
    In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...