What is Spread of Effect
Spread of Effect is a behavioural science term for the apparent change of errors noted just before or after a reinforced behaviour. Some think it is caused by the anticipation of positive response. For myself, I have only see it in training dogs to play frisbee. When they anticipate, or have just gotten a reinforcing reward, they get excited and start trying something slightly different.
To further understand the concept of Spread of Effect, we can break it down into three main components: reinforced behavior, anticipation, and change in behavior.
1. Reinforced Behavior: The term "reinforced behavior" refers to a behavior that has been rewarded or positively reinforced in some way. In the context of training dogs to play frisbee, this could be when a dog successfully catches the frisbee and receives praise or treats as a reward.
2. Anticipation: Anticipation refers to the dog's expectation or anticipation of receiving reinforcement. It is the belief that some form of positive response or reward will follow the behavior they have just displayed. In the example of frisbee training, the dog may anticipate the next throw or the next round of treats after successfully catching the frisbee.
3. Change in Behavior: Spread of Effect describes the phenomenon where a dog, after experiencing reinforcement, shows a slight change or variation in their subsequent behavior. This change can be attributed to the dog's excitement or increased motivation to experiment or try something different. For example, after successfully catching the frisbee and anticipating another reward, the dog may start attempting different jumps or spins to further impress its handler.
While Spread of Effect can be observed in various contexts, it is most commonly discussed in the field of behavioral science and animal training. It highlights the connection between reinforcement, anticipation, and the subsequent modification in behavior.