Question 1

The systematic use of learning principles to change behaviour is called

Accepted Answer

Behaviour modification is a specific approach to changing behaviour, which involves the systematic use of learning principles and techniques, such as positive reinforcement, shaping, and punishment. Counselling and education are broader terms that may involve a variety of approaches, and biofeedback is a specific technique for achieving control over physiological processes.

Question 2

Josie grew up in an abusive home with a very domineering father who punished her severely whenever she tried to argue with him. As an adult in a relationship, she finds it impossible to disagree with her partner. She may be experiencing

Accepted Answer

Josie's behavior is consistent with learned helplessness, which is a phenomenon that occurs when an individual feels helpless to control their environment, often due to prior experiences of punishment or lack of control. This can lead to difficulty asserting oneself or making decisions in the future, as the individual has learned that their efforts to do so will not lead to positive outcomes. The other options, such as classical conditioning, punishment, or negative reinforcement, do not fully explain Josie's behavior in the context given.

Question 3

Operant conditioning is to ________ subjects as classical conditioning is to ________ subjects.

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning involves the subject actively responding to environmental stimuli, such as performing a behavior to receive a reward or punishment. Classical conditioning, on the other hand, involves the subject forming a passive association between a neutral stimulus and a reflex response. Therefore, choice D is the best answer as it correctly identifies operant conditioning as being related to active subjects and classical conditioning as being related to passive subjects.

Question 4

Which researcher is associated with the subject of observational learning?

Accepted Answer

Albert Bandura is associated with the subject of observational learning, also known as social learning theory, which suggests that people can learn by observing others' behaviors and consequences.

Question 5

Which of the following is true of a token economy?

Accepted Answer

A key component of a token economy is that people must know in advance what behaviors will be reinforced with tokens. Without this knowledge, the system would lack consistency and reliability in terms of encouraging desirable behaviors.

Answer: C
 Tokens in a token economy are typically not valuable in and of themselves; rather, they serve as a symbol or indicator of a desired behavior. Therefore, they are not reinforcing intrinsically and must be exchanged or used to have any real value in the system.

Answer: None of the options apply for this choice
 The statement that token economies are only effective when used on children is not accurate. Token economies have been used effectively with individuals of all ages and across a range of settings. Additionally, option B is incorrect as token economies focus on rewarding desirable behavior, rather than punishing undesirable behavior.

Question 6

Observational learning is particularly useful when we find ourselves in ______ situations.

Accepted Answer

Observational learning is especially useful in situations that are new or unfamiliar to us, as it allows us to quickly and effectively learn from those around us who have more experience or knowledge. In habitual situations, we may already have established ways of behaving or performing tasks, and in classical situations, observational learning may not be as applicable. While scary situations may also benefit from observational learning, this is not the most comprehensive or accurate response.

Question 7

Observational learning can be used for all of the following, except

Accepted Answer

Observational learning involves observing and imitating the behavior of others, and monitoring internal responses is not a behavior that can be imitated or learned through observation.

Question 8

Which of the following is descriptive of operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences. It involves forming an association between a response and its consequence, which can either increase (reinforcement) or decrease (punishment) the likelihood of the response occurring again in the future. The other options are not descriptive of operant conditioning.

Question 9

What did the observational learning psychologists add to Skinner's learning theory?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning psychologists added the influence of cognitive processes to Skinner's learning theory. They emphasized the important role of mental processes such as attention, perception, and memory in the acquisition and application of learned behavior, which was not addressed by Skinner's behaviorism.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the token economy is not true?

Accepted Answer

The token economy is based on operant conditioning principles, not classical conditioning principles.

Question 11

Hayley has been afraid of snakes for as long as she can remember, and her mother has the same paralyzing fear. Hayley most likely acquired her fear through

Accepted Answer

Hayley most likely acquired her fear of snakes through observational learning, which involves learning behaviors by watching and imitating others, in this case, her mother. This is a common way for fears and phobias to be passed from one generation to the next.

Question 12

One problem with token economies is that

Accepted Answer

Token economies rely on the use of tokens as a reward for desired behaviour. However, once the tokens are discontinued, the learned behaviour tends to stop. This limits the long-term effectiveness of token economies.

Question 13

A negative impact of a token economy program could be

Accepted Answer

If the token economy program is discontinued, the desired behavior may no longer be reinforced, which may result in a relapse to the previous undesirable behavior. This can be demotivating for the person who was previously engaged in the token economy program.

Question 14

Classical conditioning is to ________ responses as operant conditioning is to ________ responses.

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves learning through association, leading to involuntary responses (e.g., Pavlov's dogs salivating at the sound of a bell). Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences (rewards or punishments), leading to voluntary responses (e.g., a rat pressing a lever to receive food).

Question 15

A system of behaviour change that reinforces desirable behaviour with coupons that can be exchanged at a later time for goods or privileges is known as

Accepted Answer

The system described is a token economy, which uses operant conditioning to reinforce desired behaviors with tokens or coupons that can be exchanged for rewards. This system is often used in a variety of settings, from prisons to schools, to encourage positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.

Question 16

Bud, a new employee, watches an experienced employee perform a specific task, and then Bud tries to repeat the task. The changes in Bud's behaviour can best be explained on the basis of

Accepted Answer

Bud is observing and learning from an experienced employee, which is an example of observational learning. The changes in his behavior are a result of this observation and subsequent imitation of the experienced employee's behavior.

Question 17

Acquiring new forms of behaviour by watching and imitating others is called observational learning or

Accepted Answer

Observational learning is also known as modelling, where an individual acquires new behaviours by observing and imitating others. Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences, while latent learning involves acquiring knowledge that is not immediately expressed in behaviour. Learning by insight involves sudden realization or understanding of a problem's solution.

Question 18

The purpose of a time out in behaviour modification programs is to

Accepted Answer

The purpose of a time out is to remove the child from sources of positive reinforcement, such as attention or activities, for a brief period of time. This helps to decrease the likelihood of the child repeating the inappropriate behaviour in the future. It is not primarily intended to give other children a break, prompt the child to reflect on their behaviour, or provide the teacher with time to plan.

Question 19

Lee's work performance improves after she witnesses Jane receive a 10 percent wage cut due to poor work performance and low production. Lee's improvement is probably the result of

Accepted Answer

Lee's improvement in work performance is likely due to observational learning, as she observed the negative consequence Jane received for poor work performance and adjusted her own behavior accordingly.

Question 20

In observational learning, the person who demonstrates a behaviour or whose behaviour is imitated is called the

Accepted Answer

The person who demonstrates a behaviour or whose behaviour is imitated is called the model in observational learning. The trainer or therapist may be involved in teaching or instructing the observer, but they are not necessarily the person whose behaviour is being imitated. The observed may refer to the person who is watching the behaviour, but it does not specifically refer to the person whose behaviour is being imitated.

Quiz 5: Learning