Question 1

When using punishment in a self-modification program,you should
A) make the punishment fairly severe.
B) increase the intensity of the punishment over time.
C) get a friend or family member to administer the punishment.
D) make sure you have the opportunity to earn some reinforcers, too.

Accepted Answer

Punishment alone is not an effective way to change behavior in the long term, as it often leads to feelings of resentment or the development of avoidance tactics. However, if punishment is used in a self-modification program, it is important to ensure that there is also the opportunity to earn positive reinforcement for desired behavior. This helps to balance the negative effects of punishment and provides motivation for continuing to strive towards the desired behavior. Choices A, B, and C are not recommended as they could lead to negative consequences, such as increased stress, strain on relationships, or a decrease in motivation to continue the program.

Question 2

Which of the following goals is specified in an appropriate format for designing a self-modification program?
A) increasing your motivation
B) decreasing your irritability
C) increasing your happiness
D) decreasing the amount of time spent watching television

Accepted Answer

The goal of decreasing the amount of time spent watching television is specified in a clear and measurable format, which is appropriate for designing a self-modification program. It can be easily tracked and measured over time, making it more achievable and effective. Goals such as increasing motivation, decreasing irritability, and increasing happiness are more subjective and difficult to measure, making them less appropriate for a self-modification program.

Question 3

Behavior modification works best when used to modify
A) a broadly defined behavior, for example, "I will be friendlier."
B) a personality trait, for example, "I will stop being irritable."
C) or attain a specific goal, for example, "I will get a 4.00 GPA this semester."
D) a specific overt behavior, for example, "I will stop smoking."

Accepted Answer

Behavior modification is most effective when used to modify a specific, overt behavior. This allows for clear and measurable goals, and specific techniques can be used to target that behavior. With a broadly defined behavior or personality trait, it may be difficult to determine what specific actions need to be taken to modify that behavior. Similarly, a specific goal may not necessarily be a behavior that can be modified - it may require more complex actions or changes. Focusing on a specific, overt behavior allows for a clear and achievable target that can be worked towards with effective behavior modification techniques.

Question 4

The existence of biological constraints on learning such as preparedness and conditioned taste aversions reflects the unifying theme in psychology that
A) psychology is theoretically diverse.
B) our behavior is shaped by our cultural heritage.
C) heredity and environment jointly influence behavior.
D) psychology is empirical.

Accepted Answer

The existence of biological constraints on learning, such as preparedness, suggests that behavior is influenced by both heredity and environment, which is a reflection of the unifying theme in psychology that these two forces act in concert to shape behavior. This idea is central to the field of behavioral genetics, which explores the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in human behavior. Therefore, option C is the best choice as it reflects the unifying theme in psychology that addresses the interaction between these two critical forces.

Question 5

Harold begins to chew his fingernails every time his teacher enters the classroom.In this case,the antecedent is
A) the teacher entering the classroom.
B) the fear associated with the teacher.
C) anticipated punishment.
D) chewing the fingernails.

Accepted Answer

The antecedent is the event that occurs before or triggers the behavior. In this case, it is the teacher entering the classroom that triggers Harold's nail-biting behavior.

Question 6

An animal will give a conditioned response to a stimulus that has never been associated with the presentation of the original US in both
A) stimulus generalization and higher-order conditioning.
B) stimulus generalization and stimulus discrimination.
C) stimulus discrimination and higher-order conditioning.
D) higher-order conditioning and spontaneous recovery.

Accepted Answer

In both stimulus generalization and higher-order conditioning, an animal can respond to a new stimulus. In stimulus generalization, the response is to a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus. In higher-order conditioning, a new neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus by being paired with an already established conditioned stimulus.

Question 7

The first step in a behavior modification program is to
A) gather baseline data.
B) specify the antecedents.
C) specify the target behavior.
D) design a program.

Accepted Answer

The first step in behavior modification is to identify the target behavior that needs to be modified. This specifies exactly what the individual needs to work on and provides a clear basis for assessing progress. Gathering baseline data and specifying antecedents and consequences come later in the process. Designing a program is also a later step, after the target behavior has been identified and analyzed.

Question 8

The behavior modification strategy of controlling or decreasing your exposure to antecedents of your target behavior is especially useful if you are trying to ____ the frequency of a response such as ____.
A) decrease; arguing
B) decrease; smoking
C) increase; studying
D) increase; exercising

Accepted Answer

The behavior modification strategy of controlling or decreasing antecedents is effective in decreasing the frequency of a behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is B which suggests decreasing the frequency of smoking. Arguing is also a target behavior that can be decreased by controlling antecedents, but it is not one of the options. Increasing the frequency of studying or exercising requires increasing antecedents and utilizing positive reinforcements.

Question 9

If you devise a self-modification program in which you systematically reward yourself for studying,you are applying the principles of
A) classical conditioning.
B) operant conditioning.
C) observational learning.
D) Pavlovian conditioning.

Accepted Answer

In operant conditioning, behaviors are strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow them. By rewarding oneself for studying, one is applying the principles of operant conditioning to reinforce the behavior of studying.

Question 10

With most behavior modification programs,once a terminal goal has been reached,it is a good idea to
A) stop the program abruptly.
B) phase the program out gradually by reducing the frequency or potency of the reinforcers.
C) switch from positive to negative reinforcement.
D) switch from a ratio to an interval schedule of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Gradually phasing out the program by reducing the frequency or potency of reinforcers is the best practice as it allows for the maintenance of the behavior change while minimizing the risk of relapse. Abruptly stopping the program can lead to a regression back to the original behavior. Switching from positive to negative reinforcement or from a ratio to an interval schedule of reinforcement may not be appropriate or necessary depending on the specific behavior and individual.

Question 11

Businesses often provide good meals and pleasant surroundings when initially meeting with new clients.In these situations,clients may develop positive feelings toward their business host and the company he or she represents.If this occurs,then the pleasant surroundings have functioned as
A) a conditioned stimulus.
B) a discriminative stimulus.
C) secondary reinforcers.
D) an unconditioned stimulus.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Businesses often provide good meals and pleasant...

Question 12

It often helps an individual comply with a behavior modification program if he signs a written agreement outlining a promise to adhere to the contingencies of a behavior modification program.This type of agreement is referred to as a(n)
A) behavioral contract.
B) reinforcement contract.
C) operant agreement.
D) behavior modification agreement.

Accepted Answer

A behavioral contract is a written agreement between the individual and the behavior modification program outlining the specific behaviors, goals, and consequences that will be enforced. This contract serves as a tool for enhancing motivation, commitment, and accountability, and for promoting the achievement of desired outcomes through reinforcement and feedback. Reinforcement contract is a similar term that emphasizes the role of incentives and rewards in reinforcing desired behaviors, but it is not as commonly used as behavioral contract in the field of behavior modification. Operant agreement and behavior modification agreement are not standard terms in this context.

Question 13

A political candidate uses a negative campaign commercial in which the candidate's opponent is shown alongside a negative image of an angry mob.The intent of the commercial is to cause voters to
A) have an accurate contrast between the candidate and the opponent.
B) realize the opponent was the individual who angered the mob in the first place.
C) associate the opponent with a negative emotional response.
D) associate positive emotional responses with the candidate who sponsored the commercial.

Accepted Answer

The intent of the commercial is to associate the opponent with a negative emotional response by showing them alongside an angry mob. This is a common tactic in negative political ads, to create a negative association with the opponent in the minds of voters.

Question 14

Research into signal relations,response-outcome relations,and observational learning all emphasize
A) the importance of evolutionary adaptations in learning.
B) the limitations of using basic conditioning procedures in everyday situations.
C) the distinction between acquisition of behavior and the performance of behavior.
D) the role of cognitive processes in learning.

Accepted Answer

Research into signal relations, response-outcome relations, and observational learning all suggest that cognitive processes play a significant role in learning. These theories suggest that individuals actively process information and use it to guide their behavior, rather than simply responding to environmental stimuli. Therefore, the correct choice is D, the role of cognitive processes in learning.

Question 15

In setting up reinforcement contingencies in a self-modification program,you should
A) choose a reinforcer that is readily available and relatively potent.
B) use delayed reinforcement.
C) arrange to reinforce yourself only after there has been a drastic change in the frequency of the target response.
D) use continuous rather than intermittent reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Choosing a reinforcer that is readily available and relatively potent increases the likelihood of the behavior being reinforced consistently and effectively. Delayed reinforcement may not be effective in maintaining behavior change, and waiting for a drastic change in frequency may take too long and not provide enough reinforcement to maintain the behavior. Continuous reinforcement may also not be necessary and may lead to dependency on the reinforcement, making intermittent reinforcement a more effective option.

Question 16

Application of conditioning principles to solve behavior problems is generally known as
A) behavior modification.
B) cognitive engineering.
C) modeling.
D) insight training.

Accepted Answer

Conditioning principles refer to the learning theories based on rewards and punishments for behavior, and behavior modification is a specific application of these principles to change behavior to desirable ones by reinforcing positive behavior and eliminating negative ones. Cognitive engineering involves designing systems and processes to enhance human cognition, while modeling is the process of imitating behavior of others. Insight training is a form of psychotherapy that works on gaining awareness of unconscious patterns and emotions.

Question 17

An antecedent in a behavior modification program is
A) a source of a reinforcement.
B) an event that precedes a behavior.
C) a consequence of performing a behavior.
D) an emotional component associated with the receipt of reinforcement or punishment.

Accepted Answer

Antecedents in behavior modification refer to events or stimuli that precede a particular behavior. They are used to cue the individual to engage in a specific behavior, and can be positive (as seen in the case of prompting desired behaviors) or negative (as seen in the case of removing stimuli that can evoke undesired behaviours). Antecedents are key components of a behavior modification program, as they help shape and control the behaviour of an individual through environmental cues that prompt a specific response.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for decreasing the frequency of an undesirable behavior?
A) positive reinforcement for withholding the response
B) punishment for making the response
C) increasing exposure to antecedents of the response
D) decreasing exposure to antecedents of the response

Accepted Answer

Increasing exposure to antecedents of the response may actually increase the frequency of the behavior, rather than decreasing it. The other options are valid strategies for decreasing undesirable behavior. Positive reinforcement for withholding the response means rewarding the absence of the behavior, while punishment for making the response means applying negative consequences when the behavior occurs. Decreasing exposure to antecedents of the response means limiting or removing triggers for the behavior.

Question 19

When gathering baseline data for a behavior modification program,all of the following are necessary EXCEPT
A) monitoring the antecedents of the target behavior.
B) monitoring the consequences of the target behavior.
C) determining the initial frequency of the target behavior.
D) determining how you can reduce the frequency of the target behavior.

Accepted Answer

Determining how to reduce the frequency of the target behavior is not necessary when gathering baseline data. Instead, the focus should be on monitoring the antecedents and consequences of the target behavior and determining its initial frequency.

Question 20

Many parenting books,dog training manuals,and business management approaches all advocate the use of operant conditioning techniques to encourage desirable behavior in children,pets,and employees.The widespread knowledge of,and application of conditioning techniques,reflects the unifying theme in psychology that
A) behavior is determined by multiple causes.
B) psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context.
C) heredity and environment jointly influence behavior.
D) our behavior is shaped by our cultural heritage.

Accepted Answer

The use of operant conditioning techniques in various fields like parenting, dog training, and business management shows how psychological principles evolve and are applied in different sociohistorical contexts.

Quiz 6: Learning

When using punishment in a self-modification program,you should

Which of the following goals is specified in an appropriate format for designing a self-modification program?

Behavior modification works best when used to modify

The existence of biological constraints on learning such as preparedness and conditioned taste aversions reflects the unifying theme in psychology that

Harold begins to chew his fingernails every time his teacher enters the classroom.In this case,the antecedent is

An animal will give a conditioned response to a stimulus that has never been associated with the presentation of the original US in both

The first step in a behavior modification program is to

The behavior modification strategy of controlling or decreasing your exposure to antecedents of your target behavior is especially useful if you are trying to the frequency of a response such as .

If you devise a self-modification program in which you systematically reward yourself for studying,you are applying the principles of

With most behavior modification programs,once a terminal goal has been reached,it is a good idea to

Businesses often provide good meals and pleasant surroundings when initially meeting with new clients.In these situations,clients may develop positive feelings toward their business host and the company he or she represents.If this occurs,then the pleasant surroundings have functioned as

It often helps an individual comply with a behavior modification program if he signs a written agreement outlining a promise to adhere to the contingencies of a behavior modification program.This type of agreement is referred to as a(n)

A political candidate uses a negative campaign commercial in which the candidate's opponent is shown alongside a negative image of an angry mob.The intent of the commercial is to cause voters to

Research into signal relations,response-outcome relations,and observational learning all emphasize

In setting up reinforcement contingencies in a self-modification program,you should

Application of conditioning principles to solve behavior problems is generally known as

An antecedent in a behavior modification program is

Which of the following is NOT a strategy for decreasing the frequency of an undesirable behavior?

When gathering baseline data for a behavior modification program,all of the following are necessary EXCEPT