Final answer:
In operant conditioning, the objective is to maximize reinforcers (which increase behavior) and minimize punishers (which decrease behavior) to influence behavior. Reinforcement can be positive or negative, and there are different reinforcement schedules, such as variable ratio and fixed interval, with extinction occurring when reinforcement stops. Positive reinforcement is often favored over punishment due to its effectiveness in maintaining desired behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described in the question occurs when short and long term reinforcers are maximized, and short and long term punishers are minimized, which is a concept in operant conditioning. In operant conditioning, reinforcement is used to increase a behavior, while punishment is used to decrease it.
These processes can be categorized as positive or negative: positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior. Similarly, positive punishment involves adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior, whereas negative punishment involves removing a desired stimulus to decrease a behavior.
The most effective reinforcement schedule for maintaining a behavior is the variable ratio schedule, which is also the most resistant to extinction. On the other hand, the fixed interval schedule is the least productive and the easiest to extinguish.
Extinction occurs when a reinforced behavior is reduced and eventually stops after the reinforcement ends. In this context, extinction may occur quickly if reinforcements do not arrive as expected. It's also important to consider the effects of different types of reinforcement, such as physical (e.g., money) versus verbal (e.g., praise), and the expectations of extrinsic motivators.
Positive reinforcement is often preferred over punishment as it generally has better long-term effects on behavior. Once a behavior is established, a partial or intermittent reinforcement schedule is typically used, which includes different patterns such as fixed or variable, and interval or ratio.