Author Question: Compare and contrast negative reinforcement with punishment. What will be an ideal ... (Read 51 times)

sheilaspns · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Compare and contrast negative reinforcement with punishment.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the changes in reward mechanisms that modulate the early reinforcing effects of drugs versus the later compulsive aspect of drug taking.

What will be an ideal response?

stano32 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Negative reinforcement refers to a situation in which a behavior that turns off an aversive stimulus will be reinforced. In the punishment situation, a response that leads to an aversive stimulus is made less likely to occur in the future.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Acute drug administration activates the nucleus accumbens via the ventral tegmental area (VTA). A key aspect of the early drug process involves the insertion of AMPA receptors into the membranes of the VTA (which increases their excitability). Continued drug use leads to synaptic plasticity in regions that communicate with the VTA (especially the dorsal striatum). Of note, the dorsal striatum is important for establishing motor habits, which could contribute to the compulsive nature of drug abuse.