When first training your dog, you say, "Good dog" and give her a doggie treat every time she lies down the way you want her to. After several learning trials, your dog learns that there is an association between the phrase "Good dog" and the appearance of a doggie treat and she will become excited and salivate each time you use this phrase. In fact, this same phrase can be used without doggie treats to reinforce your dog for learning other tricks. In this example, the phrase "Good dog" is both a
A)primary reinforcer and a secondary reinforcer
B)positive reinforcer and a negative reinforcer
C)secondary reinforcer and a conditioned stimulus
D)primary reinforcer and a conditioned stimulus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phrase "Good dog" acts as a secondary reinforcer because it is associated with the primary reinforcer (the doggie treat) and reinforces the behavior through this association. It also functions as a conditioned stimulus because the dog has learned to associate this specific phrase with the positive outcome of receiving a treat, leading to a conditioned response (excitement and salivation).

When First Training Your Dog, You Say, "Good Dog" and Give