Skinner conducted a famous study in which he punished bar pressing in rats attempting to obtain food by having the bar slap their paws each time they pressed it. Based on the results of this study, Skinner concluded that punishment is ineffective in the long run. A more accurate conclusion would be

Question

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Skinner's study actually showed that punishment reduced the frequency of the targeted behavior in the short term, but as soon as the punishment was removed, the rats resumed pressing the bar. However, when an alternative response was available (such as pressing a different bar), the rats were less likely to return to the punished behavior. Therefore, punishment may not be completely ineffective in the long run, but its effectiveness is limited and dependent on the availability of alternative behaviors. Choice A and B are incorrect because Skinner did not find evidence to support these claims. Choice D is also incorrect because the statement is not related to Skinner's study and is not true in general.

Skinner Conducted a Famous Study in Which He Punished Bar