If a rat receives a shock each time it presses a lever, but not otherwise, we can say that _______.
A) the rate of lever pressing will decrease, then increase
B) the shock will reduce the frequency of lever pressing
C) shock is contingent on lever pressing
D) lever pressing and shock are contiguous

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Contingency means that one event is dependent on the occurrence of another event. In this scenario, the shock is contingent on the lever pressing since it only occurs when the lever is pressed. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because the rate of lever pressing is likely to decrease and remain decreased as a result of the shock. Option B is incorrect because the shock's presence, not absence, is contingent on the lever's press. Option D is incorrect because contiguous refers to two things being in contact with each other, but it does not accurately describe the relationship between lever pressing and shock.

If a Rat Receives a Shock Each Time It Presses