differential reinforcement

in conditioning, the reinforcement of only selected behavior. For example, one might reinforce lever presses that are more than 1 second in duration but not reinforce those that are less than 1 second in duration.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

divergent thinking

creative thinking in which an individual solves a problem or reaches a decision using strategies that deviate from commonly used or previously taught strategies. This term is often used synonymously with lateral thinking. Compare convergent thinking. [defined in 1967 by Joy Paul Guilford]