Question 1

According to Skinner, we use language because it .

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

Kohler thought that insight was achieved suddenly, but other work suggests that it is achieved gradually.

Accepted Answer

Kohler believed in the theory of sudden insight, but other studies have shown that insights can also be achieved gradually through incremental steps and problem-solving strategies.

Question 3

Many people believe that excessive gambling is due to moral weakness, bad genes, or other flaws in the individual, but there is evidence that gambling may have more to do with the gambler's history of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that gambling behavior is strongly influenced by past experiences of wins and losses, rather than solely being a result of personal flaws or genetics. This is because the brain's reward system becomes activated during gambling, leading individuals to continue the behavior in order to experience that same feeling of pleasure and excitement again. Therefore, understanding the reinforcement history of a gambler can be helpful in developing effective treatment strategies.

Question 4

In Skinner's teaching machines, the only reinforcer was the opportunity to move on to the next item.

Accepted Answer

In Skinner's teaching machines, the only reinforcer was the opportunity to move on to the next item, as this allowed for immediate feedback and reinforcement of correct responses. Skinner's teaching machines used a system of programmed instruction where students would answer questions and receive immediate feedback. The only reinforcer was the ability to move on to the next item in the program.

Question 5

Creative behavior is a function of its consequences.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Creative behavior is based on the idea that the consequences of our actions influence our future behavior. If creative behavior is positively reinforced (i.e. rewarded or praised), then we are more likely to engage in it again in the future. Similarly, if our creative behavior is punished or ignored, we may be less likely to engage in it again. Therefore, our behavior is shaped by the consequences it produces. Creative behavior is influenced by its consequences, meaning the positive or negative outcomes that result from the behavior will determine the likelihood of it being repeated in the future. If the consequence is rewarding, the individual is more likely to engage in the behavior again. If the consequence is punishing, the individual may be less likely to engage in the behavior again.

Question 6

The first true teaching machines were built by B.F.Skinner.

Accepted Answer

B.F.Skinner is considered the father of programmed learning and developed the first true teaching machines in the 1950s. This statement is true. B.F.Skinner pioneered the development of teaching machines in the 1950s, which were designed to reinforce learning through a system of programmed instruction.

Question 7

The solution to a problem is behavior that produces .

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Question 8

Alan Christopher demonstrated that he could turn pigeons into problem gamblers by manipulating the consequences of gambling.

Accepted Answer

In his experiments, Alan Christopher was able to condition pigeons to become problem gamblers by manipulating the consequences of a simple gambling task. The pigeons would continue to peck a lighted button, even when it resulted in punishment, because they had learned to associate the behavior with the possibility of a reward.

Question 9

How could you use operant procedures to improve the adoption rate of orphans aged five to twelve?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Eddie McNamara's study showed that praising students when they are "on task" does not increase the frequency of on task behavior in adolescents.

Accepted Answer

Eddie McNamara's study actually found that praising students when they are "on task" does increase the frequency of on-task behavior in adolescents, demonstrating the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in educational settings.

Question 11

At Morningside Academy, students achievement test scores in reading and math typically rise two years in one school year.

Accepted Answer

The statement says that students' achievement test scores in reading and math typically rise two years in one school year at Morningside Academy, which means they make two years' worth of progress in one year. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 12

Describe the basic laboratory procedure for establishing superstitious behavior.Explain why it is usually difficult to specify in advance what superstitious behavior will result.

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Question 13

Only humans and the great apes show evidence of self-awareness.

Accepted Answer

Other animals, such as dolphins, elephants, and some birds, have also shown evidence of self-awareness through mirror tests and other studies.

Question 14

Why is insight not an adequate explanation of problem solving?

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Question 15

What are the implications for psychotherapy of Quay's work on family recollections?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 8: Operant Applications and Interpretations