Question 1

A pigeon can easily be taught to flap its wings in order to avoid shock but not for food reinforcement. According to the text,this is most likely so because

Accepted Answer

Pigeons, like many animals, are biologically predisposed to learn certain behaviors based on their natural instincts and abilities. Flapping their wings in order to escape aversive events (such as shock) is a behavior that is more closely aligned with their natural instincts than using their beaks to obtain food. Therefore, it is easier for them to learn this behavior through conditioning. Additionally, hunger is not necessarily a factor in a pigeon's ability to learn a new skill, as they are capable of being trained through positive reinforcement with food as well. Therefore, option B and C can be ruled out. Ultimately, the best explanation is that their natural instincts and abilities play a significant role in their ability to learn certain behaviors.

Question 2

Lars,a shoe salesman,is paid every two weeks,whereas Tom receives a commission for each pair of shoes he sells. Evidently,Lars is paid on a ________ schedule of reinforcement,and Tom on a ________ schedule of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Lars is paid on a fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement because he is given a paycheck every two weeks regardless of how many shoes he sells during that period. Tom is paid on a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement because he receives a commission for each pair of shoes he sells, which is a set rate or ratio, rather than a fixed interval of time.

Question 3

You teach your dog to fetch the paper by giving him a cookie each time he does so. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences. In this scenario, the behavior of fetching the paper is being strengthened by the positive consequence of receiving a cookie, which is an example of operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves the pairing of two stimuli to produce a learned response, such as Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs salivating at the sound of a bell. Conditioned reinforcement involves a stimulus that has become reinforcing through its association with a primary reinforcer, such as a whistle becoming a conditioned reinforcer for a dog because it signals the delivery of food. Partial reinforcement involves reinforcing a behavior only some of the time, which can make the behavior more resistant to extinction. However, this scenario involves consistent reinforcement every time the behavior is performed, making partial reinforcement not applicable.

Question 4

After discovering that her usual route home was closed due to road repairs,Sharetta used her knowledge of the city and sense of direction to find an alternate route. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

Using knowledge of the city and sense of direction to find an alternate route is an example of using a cognitive map, which is a mental representation of one's environment. Latent learning refers to acquiring knowledge without any observable behavior or reinforcement, generalization refers to applying learned behavior to similar situations, and shaping is a process of gradually modifying behavior through reinforcement.

Question 5

Leon's psychology instructor has scheduled an exam every third week of the term. Leon will probably study the most just before an exam and the least just after an exam. This is because the schedule of exams is reinforcing studying according to which schedule?

Accepted Answer

The schedule of exams every third week of the term is an example of a fixed-interval schedule, where the reinforcement (the exam) occurs at a fixed time interval. This leads to behavior (studying) increasing around the time of the exam and decreasing immediately after, as Leon anticipates the reinforcement.

Question 6

You are expecting an important letter in the mail. As the regular delivery time approaches you glance more and more frequently out the window,searching for the letter carrier. Your behavior in this situation typifies that associated with which schedule of reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement is defined as a schedule in which a specific amount of time must pass before a response is reinforced. In this situation, the arrival of the mail carrier is expected at a specific time, which is the fixed interval. The behavior of the individual checking the window frequently is typical of this schedule as they want to be present or near the door when the mail carrier comes.

Question 7

The manager of a manufacturing plant wishes to use positive reinforcement to increase the productivity of workers. Which of the following procedures would probably be the most effective?

Accepted Answer

Providing immediate bonuses for specific behaviors related to productivity is the most effective procedure of positive reinforcement. This reinforces the desired behavior and encourages employees to continue engaging in it. A general merit bonus at the end of the year may not be as effective since it is not tied directly to specific behaviors related to productivity. Setting an unrealistic productivity goal can lead to frustration and demotivation for employees. Lastly, punishing employees with pay cuts for not meeting productivity standards can create a negative work environment and decrease motivation.

Question 8

In distinguishing between negative reinforcers and punishment,we note that

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves increasing the likelihood of a response by removing or terminating an aversive stimulus, while punishment involves adding an aversive stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a response. Therefore, option D is the correct choice.

Question 9

Carrie's mother takes away her allowance after she behaves inappropriately on a recent shopping trip. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

Taking away Carrie's allowance (removing a desired stimulus) after inappropriate behavior is an example of negative punishment.

Question 10

Punishment is a controversial way of controlling behavior because

Accepted Answer

All the given options are valid reasons why punishment is a controversial way of controlling behavior. Behaviors that are punished may resurface later, punishing stimuli like physical punishment may generate fear, and punishment may also increase aggressive behavior in the individual. Hence, all of the given reasons explain why the use of punishment is controversial in controlling behavior.

Question 11

Online testing systems and interactive software are applications of the operant conditioning principles of

Accepted Answer

The answer of Online testing systems and interactive software are...

Question 12

Cognitive processes are

Accepted Answer

Cognitive processes such as attention, perception, memory, and thought play a crucial role in both classical and operant conditioning. Without these processes, the individual may not learn or respond to stimuli in the same way. Therefore, cognitive processes are essential in both types of conditioning.

Question 13

From a casino owner's viewpoint,which of the following jackpot-payout schedules would be the most desirable for reinforcing customer use of a slot machine?

Accepted Answer

A variable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement for a behavior after a variable number of responses, which is the most effective for reinforcing the use of a slot machine. This unpredictable schedule keeps customers engaged and willing to continue playing in hopes of winning the jackpot. Fixed-ratio, variable-interval, and fixed-interval schedules are not as effective in reinforcing customer use of slot machines.

Question 14

After exploring a complicated maze for several days,a rat subsequently ran the maze with very few errors when food was placed in the goal box for the first time. This performance illustrates

Accepted Answer

The rat's successful completion of the maze with few errors only after food was placed in the goal box suggests that it had learned the layout of the maze through observation and experience, which is an example of latent learning. This is because the rat did not demonstrate its learning until a reward was introduced, indicating that the previous experience had been stored on an unconscious level. Classical conditioning involves learning through association between two stimuli, discrimination learning involves learning to respond to different stimuli in different ways, and shaping involves reinforcing progressively closer approximations to a desired behavior. None of these seem to fully explain the rat's behavior in this situation.

Question 15

A cognitive map is a

Accepted Answer

A cognitive map is a mental representation of one's environment, including spatial relationships between objects and landmarks. It is a type of mental construct used for navigation and wayfinding, and can be developed through experience and exploration of an environment.

Quiz 22: The Reach of Prejudice