Question 1

Classical conditioning applies mostly to ________.

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning is a type of learning through association, where a previously neutral stimulus (such as a sound) comes to elicit a response (such as salivation) because it has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus (such as food). This type of learning is most applicable to biological responses, such as reflexes and emotional responses, rather than voluntary behavior.

Question 2

The term reward is synonymous with:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The term reward is synonymous with: ...

Question 3

Which of the following approaches to treating a phobia is correctly matched with the type of learning that it reflects?

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning involves modifying behavior through the use of consequences, such as rewards or punishments. When a client is directly reinforced for interacting with the feared object, it reflects operant conditioning because the behavior (interacting with the object) is being reinforced, typically to decrease the phobic response.

Question 4

As part of a behavior modification program, Kendra and her partner each agree to praise their daughter if she completes her assigned household chores by the end of the day. Such praise is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The use of praise is an example of positive reinforcement, which involves adding a desirable stimulus (in this case, praise) in order to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future. Primary reinforcement (A) refers to a naturally rewarding stimulus like food or water, while tertiary reinforcement (B) is not a commonly recognized term in behavior modification. Negative reinforcement (D) involves removing an unpleasant stimulus in order to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, which is not what is happening in this scenario.

Question 5

Which of the following reinforcers is incorrectly categorized?

Accepted Answer

Money is a secondary reinforcer because its value is learned, not inherently satisfying like food or relief from discomfort.

Question 6

One reason Carlos continues to work at his job is the paycheck that he receives every two weeks. Carlos' paycheck is a _____ reinforcer.

Accepted Answer

Carlos' paycheck is a secondary reinforcer because it is not inherently rewarding but represents something that can be exchanged for primary reinforcers like food, shelter, and other necessities or desires.

Question 7

Dr. DiFonzo notices several students nodding in agreement as he lectures. Subsequently, his rhetoric becomes more confident and more passionate. The students have provided _____ reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

The nodding of the students can be seen as a form of positive reinforcement as it is a behavior that is increasing the likelihood of the lecturer's behavior (speaking confidently and passionately).

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies negative reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior. In option A, Vanna fastens her seatbelt to stop the annoying alert sound, which is an example of removing an unpleasant stimulus (the sound) to increase a behavior (fastening the seatbelt).

Question 9

Operant conditioning applies mainly to ________.

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning applies mainly to voluntary responses, which are behaviors that an organism actively performs in order to receive reinforcement or punishment. It is different from classical conditioning, which involves involuntary responses to stimuli.

Question 10

A _____ is any stimulus that increases the probability that a preceding behavior will occur again.

Accepted Answer

A reinforcer is any stimulus that increases the likelihood of a preceding behavior occurring again by either providing a pleasant consequence or removing an unpleasant one. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction and is not relevant to behavior. A rejoinder is a response or reply to a comment or question, and a stimulant is a substance that increases physiological activity in the body.

Question 11

Negative reinforcement:

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement increases the likelihood that the preceding behavior will be repeated by removing or avoiding a negative outcome or stimulus when the desired behavior is performed.

Question 12

________ is learning in which a voluntary response is strengthened or weakened, depending on its favorable or unfavorable consequences.

Accepted Answer

The description provided fits perfectly with the concept of operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcements or punishments). The other options (classical conditioning, observational learning, and instrumental conditioning) do not specifically focus on voluntary responses being strengthened or weakened based on consequences.

Question 13

A(n) _____ reinforcer refers to the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, for instance, putting on a sweater when a person feels it is cold, which leads to an increase in the probability that a preceding response will be repeated in the future.

Accepted Answer

The definition of negative reinforcement is the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, leading to an increase in the probability that a preceding response will be repeated in the future. Option B refers to a type of reinforcement that has been learned through association, option C refers to an automatic response that occurs without learning, and option D refers to a stimulus that does not elicit a response.

Question 14

The most influential psychologist to study operant conditioning was:

Accepted Answer

B.F. Skinner was the most influential psychologist to study operant conditioning. He developed the principles of reinforcement and punishment that are central to this theory, and his work has had a significant impact on modern psychology and education. Freud was not primarily focused on behaviorism, but rather psychoanalysis. Watson was a behaviorist, but he is more associated with classical conditioning than operant conditioning. Pavlov was also primarily focused on classical conditioning.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a secondary reinforcer?

Accepted Answer

Money is an example of a secondary reinforcer because it has no inherent value, but is associated with things that do (such as food or shelter). It gains its reinforcing power through the individual's learned association with it.

Question 16

Reinforcers that satisfy biological needs are called _____ reinforcers.

Accepted Answer

Primary reinforcers are those that satisfy biological needs, such as the need for food, water, or shelter. Choice B (positive reinforcers) refers to any stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again, regardless of whether the reinforcer is satisfying a biological need. Choice C (unconditioned reinforcers) refers to stimuli that are inherently rewarding, such as natural rewards like food or social rewards like praise. Choice D (reflexive reinforcers) is not a commonly used term in behavior analysis and does not accurately describe primary reinforcers.

Question 17

The process by which a stimulus increases the likelihood that a preceding behavior will be repeated is called:

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement is the process of increasing the likelihood that a preceding behavior will be repeated through the use of a stimulus following the behavior. Habituation refers to a decrease in responsiveness to a repeated stimulus over time, while learning refers to the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience. Spontaneous recovery refers to the temporary reappearance of a behavior that had previously been extinguished.

Question 18

Stimulus ________ provides the ability to differentiate between stimuli.

Accepted Answer

Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between stimuli and is essential for learning and making appropriate responses. Control refers to manipulating variables to see their effects, generalization is the extension of learned behavior to new situations, and diffusion is the spreading of a substance through a medium.

Question 19

Operant conditioning most importantly involves forming associations between:

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning is based on the idea that behavior can be modified by its consequences, and that behavior that is followed by pleasant consequences is likely to be repeated, while behavior that is followed by unpleasant consequences is less likely to be repeated. Therefore, operant conditioning involves forming associations between behavior and its consequences.

Question 20

A(n) _____ reinforcer is a stimulus added to the environment, like getting paid to work, that specifically brings about an increase in a preceding response.

Accepted Answer

A positive reinforcer is a stimulus added to the environment that increases the likelihood of a preceding response. Primary reinforcers are stimuli that are naturally rewarding, like food or water, while secondary reinforcers are stimuli that are learned to be rewarding, like money or praise. Unconditioned reinforcers are not learned and are inherently rewarding, like the release of pain or relief from hunger. Neutral stimuli do not have an effect on behavior.

Quiz 5: Taking Tests