Question 1

When Tomas teases his younger brother, his parents make Tomas sit in a corner for long periods of time. From what you have learned from the textbook about punishment, what is the likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Punishment, especially if it does not teach alternative behaviors, can lead to avoidance strategies. Tomas may simply learn to avoid getting caught, rather than learning not to tease his brother.

Question 2

With negative reinforcement,

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves increasing a desired behavior by removing or avoiding something unpleasant. It is not about administering something bad or withholding something desired, nor is it the same as punishment.

Question 3

Kareem laughs whenever his neck is touched. Now before touching his neck, his mommy says "gotcha." Pretty soon, as soon as she says "gotcha," Kareem starts to laugh. In this example, what is the conditioned stimulus?

Accepted Answer

The conditioned stimulus is the "gotcha" phrase because it is a neutral stimulus that, through association with the unconditioned stimulus (touching the neck), comes to elicit a conditioned response (laughing).

Question 4

In the classic study by psychologist Harriet Rheingold, extinction of infant vocalizations occurred when the researcher

Accepted Answer

In Harriet Rheingold's study, extinction of infant vocalizations occurred when the researcher passively observed each infant, meaning they did not respond to the infant's vocalizations, which led to a decrease in those behaviors over time. This is because the vocalizations were no longer reinforced by attention or interaction from the researcher.

Question 5

Kareem laughs whenever his neck is touched. Now before touching his neck, his mommy says "gotcha." Pretty soon, as soon as she says "gotcha," Kareem starts to laugh. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of classical conditioning, where Kareem has learned to associate the word "gotcha" with the sensation of his neck being touched, leading to laughter. This process involves pairing a neutral stimulus (the word "gotcha") with an unconditioned stimulus (touching the neck) that naturally produces an unconditioned response (laughter). Over time, the neutral stimulus alone can elicit the conditioned response (laughter), demonstrating classical conditioning.

Question 6

According to Erikson, what is the primary task of the teenage years?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that the primary task of the teenage years is developing an identity. This stage, known as the identity vs. role confusion stage, focuses on adolescents' exploration of their personal identity, beliefs, and goals.

Question 7

Applying learning theory when trying to help children overcome behavioral disorders or to cope with adjustment problems is often referred to as

Accepted Answer

Behavior modification is the application of learning theory to change behavior patterns, including helping children overcome behavioral disorders or adjustment problems. It involves techniques such as reinforcement, punishment, and modeling to alter behavior.

Question 8

Zack has been wetting the bed. A special pad is placed under him while he is sleeping. If the pad becomes wet, a circuit closes, causing a bell to ring. After several repetitions, Zack learns to wake up before wetting the pad. Over time, Zack stops wetting the bed altogether. This is an example of the application of what theory to the treatment of bed-wetting?

Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of the application of learning theory, specifically operant conditioning. The bell that rings when the pad gets wet acts as a stimulus for Zack to wake up and avoid wetting the bed, thereby learning a new behavior through reinforcement.

Question 9

Which of the following is considered an advantage of Erikson's theory?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory is notable for emphasizing the role of human consciousness and choice in development, highlighting how individuals actively shape their own growth through decisions and actions across their lifespan.

Question 10

What is the second stage of psychosocial development, according to Erikson?

Accepted Answer

The second stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, which occurs roughly between the ages of 18 months to 3 years, where children begin to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.

Question 11

Kareem laughs whenever his neck is touched. Now before touching his neck, his mommy says "gotcha." Pretty soon, as soon as she says "gotcha," Kareem starts to laugh. In this example, what is the neutral stimulus?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kareem laughs whenever his neck is touched....

Question 12

Jeremy is 16 years old. He is in the process of figuring out not only his future career goals but also his political viewpoints and his perspectives on religion. According to Erikson, which is true about Jeremy?

Accepted Answer

Jeremy is in the identity vs. role diffusion stage, according to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage typically occurs during adolescence, when individuals explore their identities and try to figure out who they are.

Question 13

Which person introduced the concept of reinforcement into behaviorism?

Accepted Answer

B.F. Skinner introduced the concept of reinforcement into behaviorism, significantly contributing to the development of operant conditioning theory.

Question 14

According to Erikson, which stage of development occurs between the ages of 3 to 6?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's stage of Initiative vs. Guilt typically occurs between the ages of 3 to 6 years, where children begin to assert power and control over their world through directing play and other social interactions.

Question 15

Which stage in Erikson's theory involves the development of independence?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt focuses on the development of independence as children learn to perform basic actions on their own and make simple decisions about their preferences.

Question 16

Chris's mother offers to give him a cookie, but only if he doesn't throw a temper tantrum in the grocery store. What concept of operant conditioning is at work here?

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement is at work here because Chris's mother is offering a reward (a cookie) to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior (not throwing a temper tantrum).

Question 17

Nathan enjoys riding his bicycle outside. Each day that Nathan cleans up the toys in his room, he gets to ride his bike for an extra 15 minutes that day. The additional bike-riding time

Accepted Answer

The additional bike-riding time acts as a positive reinforcer because it is a pleasant outcome that follows the desired behavior (cleaning up toys), which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

Question 18

Timothy, who is 4 years old, is taking a soccer class. His parents are highly critical of his soccer skills and regularly scold him for not making more goals. Research suggests which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The scolding may result in Timothy developing a negative association with soccer, leading to a lack of interest or withdrawal from wanting to play, as consistent criticism, especially in children, can affect their motivation and enjoyment in activities.

Question 19

Kareem laughs whenever his neck is touched. Now before touching his neck, his mommy says "gotcha." Pretty soon, as soon as she says "gotcha" Kareem starts to laugh. In this example, what is the conditioned response?

Accepted Answer

Laughing when he hears "gotcha" is the conditioned response because it is the learned reaction (laughing) to a previously neutral stimulus (the word "gotcha") after it has been associated with an unconditioned stimulus (neck being touched) that naturally elicits a response (laughing).

Question 20

Kareem laughs whenever his neck is touched. Now before touching his neck, his mommy says "gotcha." Pretty soon, as soon as she says "gotcha," Kareem starts to laugh. In this example, what is the unconditioned response?

Accepted Answer

Laughing when his neck is touched is the unconditioned response because it is a natural reaction that does not require learning.

Quiz 1: History-Theories-And-Methods