Correct Answer - Option 2 : reduced
Reinforcement is the operation of administering a reinforcer by the experimenter. Reinforcers are stimuli that increase the rate or probability of the responses that precede. We have noted that reinforced responses increase in rate, while non-reinforced responses decrease in rate.
- A positive reinforcer increases the rate of response that precedes its presentation.
- Negative reinforcers increase the rate of the response that precedes their removal or termination. The reinforcers may be primary or secondary. A primary reinforcer is biologically important since it determines the organism’s survival (e.g., food for a hungry organism).
- A secondary reinforcer is one that has acquired characteristics of the reinforcer because of the organism’s experience with the environment. We frequently use money, praise, and grades as reinforcers. They are called secondary reinforcers.
- Systematic use of reinforcers can lead to the desired response. Such a response is shaped by reinforcing successive approximations to the desired response
A reinforcer is defined as any stimulus or event, which increases the probability of the occurrence of a (desired) response. The interval or length of time that lapses between the occurrence of response and reinforcement also influences operant learning. So When the learner has been awarded after a long time for his good work then the intensity of the reinforcer will be reduced.
If the response is not followed by reinforcement, then the tendency to produce that response will also reduce. This process when the tendency to produce a response, again and again, reduces due to non-reinforcement of the response is known as extinction.
- It is found that delay in the delivery of reinforcement leads to a poorer level of performance.
- It can be easily shown by asking children which reward they will prefer for doing some chore.
- Smaller rewards immediately after doing the chore will be preferred rather than a big one after a long gap.
Hence, we can conclude that When the learner has been awarded after a long time for his good work then the intensity of the reinforcer will be reduced.
