Which statement demonstrates the free-operant paradigm?
A) After reaching the end of a maze, a rat is returned to the starting point by the experimenter.
B) When a cat escapes from a puzzle box, the experimenter puts the cat back in.
C) A rat in a Skinner box can press a bar at any time to receive food.
D) After reaching the end of a maze, a rat is put back inside its home cage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The free-operant paradigm refers to a situation where an animal can operate an apparatus (like a lever or bar) freely, at any time, to obtain a reward or avoid a punishment. Choice C, where a rat can press a bar at any time to receive food in a Skinner box, is a classic example of this paradigm.

Which Statement Demonstrates the Free-Operant Paradigm