B. F. Skinner rigged the cages of eight pigeons so that food was delivered every 15 seconds. Within a short time, most of the pigeons were practising some sort of consistent ritual, even though the ritual did not have the least effect on the delivery of the reinforcer. The birds were ________.
A) demonstrating spontaneous recovery
B) developing phobias
C) trained by vicarious conditioning
D) behaving superstitiously

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phenomenon described is known as superstition. The pigeons have associated their random actions with the delivery of food, even though there is no causal relationship between the two. This is an example of operant conditioning, where behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it.

B F Skinner Rigged the Cages of Eight Pigeons So That