Show “Centres” of Cognitive Functions in the Brain: A Misleading Concept The same parts of the human brain that are involved in positive reinforcement of behaviour are also involved in the sensation of pleasure. The radical behaviourists’ explanation of positive reinforcement ignored the concept of pleasure. The expression "pleasure centres of the brain", introduced by Olds in a 1956 article, is still a good way to describe the neuronal substrates of rewards for behaviour. As researchers have discovered new neural pathways involved in pleasure and rewards, however, the term “centre” which suggests a single locus, has gradually been replaced by the word “system,” which stresses the involvement of multiple groups of neurons.
The hypothalamus then acts in return not only on the ventral tegmental area, but also on the autonomic and endocrine functions of the entire body, through the pituitary gland. Aversive stimuli that provoke fight or flight responses activate the brain’s punishment circuit (the periventricular system, or PVS), which enables us to cope with unpleasant situations. The PVS was identified by De Molina and Hunsperger in 1962. It includes various brain structures, such as the hypothalamus, the thalamus, and the central grey substance surrounding the aqueduct of Sylvius. Some secondary centres of this circuit are found in the amygdala and the hippocampus. The punishment circuit functions by means of acetylcholine, which stimulates the secretion of adrenal cortico-trophic hormone (ACTH). ACTH in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenalin to prepare the body’s organs for fight or flight. Interestingly, stimulation of the punishment circuit can inhibit the reward circuit, which supports the common observation that fear and punishment can drive out many pleasures. The MFB and the PVS are thus two major systems of motivation in human beings. These systems encourage people to behave so as to suppress their instinctive impulses and avoid painful experiences. The situation is quite different for the third circuit, the behavioural inhibition system (BIS). This system was identified by Henri Laborit in the early 1970s. It is associated with the septo-hippocampal system, the amygdala, and the basal nuclei. It receives inputs from the prefrontal cortex and transmits its outputs via the noradrenergic fibres of the locus coeruleus and the serotininergic fibres of the medial Raphe nuclei. Some authors believe that serotonin plays a major role in this system. The BIS is activated when both fight and flight seem impossible and the only remaining behavioural option is to submit passively. The pathological consequences of this behavioural inhibition have provided an understanding of how destructive chronic stress can be to people’s health. What part of the brain is associated with positive reinforcement?The Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)
The VTA, home for dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic and co-releasing neurons, has long been implicated in positive reinforcement.
What is positive reinforcement in psychology quizlet?positive reinforcement. increasing behaviors by presenting positive stimuli, such as food. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the response.
What is positive reinforcement according to Skinner?Skinner's behavioral theory of learning. Positive reinforcement is defined as the presentation of a stimulus contingent on a behavior that results in an increased frequency of that behavior in the future. The reinforcing stimulus is strongest if it is presented immediately following the behavior.
Which is an example of positive reinforcement quizlet?Positive reinforcement works by presenting a motivating/reinforcing stimulus to the person after the desired behavior is exhibited, making the behavior more likely to happen in the future. EX: The little boy receives $5.00 (reinforcing stimulus) for every A he earns on his report card (behavior).
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