Question 1

Gretta spends a lot of time at the race track betting on ponies,and occasionally she wins.The frequency of her betting is controlled by which of the following?
A)fixed-ratio schedules
B)a continuous reinforcement schedule
C)a partial schedule of reinforcement
D)luck

Accepted Answer

The frequency of Gretta's betting is likely controlled by a partial schedule of reinforcement, as she only occasionally wins and thus may be operating on a variable ratio schedule where the reinforcement (winning) occurs after a variable number of responses (bets). The other choices (fixed-ratio, continuous reinforcement, luck) do not accurately explain the pattern of Gretta's behavior.

Question 2

Linda sees a sign on a farmer's fence that reads: HELP ME PICK STRAWBERRIES,FOR EVERY 5 QUARTS YOU PICK,KEEP ONE FOR YOURSELF.If Linda decides to pick strawberries for this farmer,she would be under a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A)fixed-interval
B)fixed-ratio
C)variable-interval
D)variable-ratio

Accepted Answer

This is because the reinforcement (keeping one quart for yourself) is provided on a fixed ratio of 5. For every 5 quarts picked, the reinforcement is given. This is a fixed-ratio schedule.

Question 3

The only vending machine in your dorm is notorious for delivering its merchandise only occasionally when people put money in it.This is most similar to a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A)fixed-interval
B)fixed-ratio
C)variable-interval
D)variable-ratio

Accepted Answer

A variable ratio schedule of reinforcement delivers rewards after an unpredictable number of responses. This unpredictability is similar to the vending machine's occasional delivery of merchandise, making it most similar to a variable ratio schedule. Fixed interval and fixed ratio schedules involve predictable patterns, and a variable interval schedule involves time, not the number of responses.

Question 4

An infant who is fed every four hours is on a schedule that is SIMILAR to which of the following?
A)fixed ratio
B)variable ratio
C)fixed interval
D)variable interval

Accepted Answer

The infant is being fed on a fixed interval schedule, as they are being fed at regular intervals of four hours.

Question 5

Sandy's favourite activity is to go to Las Vegas and play the slot machines.Her gambling behaviour is being reinforced on a __________ schedule.
A)fixed-ratio
B)fixed-interval
C)variable-ratio
D)variable-interval

Accepted Answer

Sandy's behaviour is being reinforced on a variable-ratio schedule. This is because slot machines operate on a random and unpredictable schedule for payouts, meaning that Sandy doesn't know how many times she will have to play before winning, but she knows there is a chance of winning at any time. A variable-ratio schedule is known to be highly reinforcing and can result in persistent behaviour, such as gambling.

Question 6

The schedule of reinforcement that yields the slowest increase in a behaviour and the fastest extinction of the behaviour when the schedule is stopped is ________.
A)variable ratio
B)continuous reinforcement
C)partial reinforcement
D)fixed interval

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement provides a reinforcement after every response, thus increasing the behavior quickly. However, when this schedule is stopped, the behavior extinguishes quickly as well. Partial reinforcement schedules lead to slower increases in behavior but also slower extinction rates, as the behavior is less predictable. Variable ratio schedules may provide a slow increase in behavior at first but lead to high and consistent response rates and resistance to extinction over time. Fixed interval schedules lead to a slow and predictable increase in behavior, but there is often a "scallop" pattern in responding as the reinforcement is only provided after a fixed amount of time has elapsed.

Question 7

A person who receives a monthly salary is on a:
A)continuous reinforcement schedule.
B)fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement.
C)fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement.
D)variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

The fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement is based on a specific time interval, such as a month in the case of a monthly salary. This means that the reinforcement (the salary) is provided at a set time interval, regardless of the amount of work done by the person receiving it.

Question 8

Five-year-old Tommy is helping get ready for a family reunion at Thanksgiving by polishing the good silverware.If his mother gives him a dime for each piece he polishes,what kind of reinforcement schedule is she using?
A)fixed interval
B)fixed ratio
C)variable interval
D)variable ratio

Accepted Answer

The reinforcement schedule in this scenario is a fixed ratio because Tommy is receiving a dime for each piece of silverware that he polishes, which is a set number of responses before reinforcement is given.

Question 9

Research suggests that delayed reinforcement ____________.
A)is much more effective than immediate reinforcement
B)is slightly more effective than immediate reinforcement
C)is equally effective as immediate reinforcement
D)is less effective than immediate reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that delayed reinforcement is less effective than immediate reinforcement. This is because delayed reinforcement may not be seen as a direct consequence of the behavior being reinforced, leading to a weaker association between the behavior and the reinforcement. Additionally, delayed reinforcement may be seen as less valuable or desirable than immediate reinforcement, leading to less motivation to engage in the behavior.

Question 10

A reinforcer that removes something unpleasant from a situation is called a __________ reinforcer.
A)positive
B)negative
C)primary
D)secondary

Accepted Answer

A negative reinforcer is something that removes or avoids an unpleasant situation, such as turning off a loud alarm or taking off a heavy backpack after a long day. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, adds something pleasant to a situation to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Primary and secondary reinforcers refer to the nature of the reward itself, with primary reinforcers being inherently satisfying (such as food) and secondary reinforcers being learned (such as money).

Question 11

According to the law of effect,a behaviour is MOST likely to be stamped in,or repeated,when it is __________.
A)ignored
B)preceded by reinforcement
C)followed by reinforcement
D)accompanied by a neutral stimulus

Accepted Answer

The law of effect states that behaviors that are followed by reinforcement are more likely to be repeated in the future. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it indicates that a behavior is more likely to be repeated when it is followed by reinforcement.

Question 12

A reinforcer that is reinforcing in and of itself is called a ________ reinforcer.
A)direct
B)delayed
C)primary
D)secondary

Accepted Answer

Primary reinforcers are naturally rewarding and do not require any learning or conditioning to be reinforcing. Examples include food, water, sleep, and other basic necessities for survival. They are inherently reinforcing due to their biological significance. Therefore, a reinforcer that is reinforcing in and of itself is called a primary reinforcer.

Question 13

On a fixed-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________.
A)for correct responses after randomly varying amounts of time have passed
B)after a specific number of responses are given
C)for the first correct response after a specific amount of time has passed
D)after a randomly varying number of responses are given

Accepted Answer

On a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given after a specific number of responses are given. This means that the behavior is reinforced after a certain number of times it is demonstrated, rather than based on the passage of time or the number of responses that vary randomly.

Question 14

Your professor has informed you at the beginning of the term that you will have eight tests-but they will all be unannounced.This is most similar to a _______ reinforcement schedule.
A)fixed-interval
B)fixed-ratio
C)variable-interval
D)variable-ratio

Accepted Answer

A variable-interval reinforcement schedule means that reinforcement is delivered after varying amounts of time, with the possibility of the reinforcement occurring at any time. In this case, the student knows they will have eight tests but they do not know when they will occur, similar to a variable-interval schedule. Fixed-interval and fixed-ratio reinforcement schedules involve consistent timing or behavior requirements, respectively. Variable-ratio schedules involve reinforcement after a variable number of behaviors rather than time intervals.

Question 15

On a variable-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________.
A)for the first correct response after a fixed amount of time has passed
B)for the first correct response after varying amounts of time have passed
C)for the next correct response after a fixed number of responses have been made
D)for the next correct response after a varying number of responses have been made

Accepted Answer

On a variable-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given after a varying number of responses have been made. This means that the behavior being reinforced is more resistant to extinction because the individual does not know when the reinforcement is coming and has to keep responding in order to receive it. This type of reinforcement schedule is often used in gambling, where the payouts occur randomly, leading individuals to keep playing despite the odds against them.

Question 16

A very high rate of responding is produced by a _______ schedule of reinforcement.
A)fixed-interval
B)fixed-ratio
C)variable-interval
D)variable-ratio

Accepted Answer

A variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement is known to produce a very high rate of responding because the reinforcement is given after a variable number of responses, which keeps the individual motivated to continue to respond in order to receive the reward. This type of reinforcement schedule is commonly seen in gambling and has been found to produce the greatest resistance to extinction.

Question 17

On a fixed-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given _________ .
A)for the first correct response after randomly varying amounts of time have passed
B)for the next correct response after a fixed number of responses have been made
C)for the first correct response after a fixed amount of time has passed
D)for the next correct response after a varying number of responses have been made

Accepted Answer

On a fixed-ratio schedule, reinforcement is given for the next correct response after a fixed number of responses have been made. For example, a fixed-ratio schedule of 5 means reinforcement is given after every 5th correct response.

Question 18

Anything that increases the likelihood that a behaviour will occur more frequently is called a(n)__________ .
A)aversive control
B)punishment
C)antecedent
D)reinforcer

Accepted Answer

A reinforcer is anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring more frequently. Aversive control and punishment decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring, while an antecedent is a cue or trigger that precedes a behavior.

Question 19

Lila doesn't like her psychology class because the instructor uses unannounced pop exams to test the class.As a result,she never knows when she will be tested.Her instructor is testing her on a __________ schedule.
A)fixed-ratio
B)fixed-interval
C)variable-ratio
D)variable-interval

Accepted Answer

Lila never knows when she will be tested, indicating a variable schedule. The fact that these tests are unannounced suggests that it is a variable-interval schedule, as the time between tests is unpredictable.

Question 20

An animal is placed in a box with a bar and also a wire floor that can deliver a mild shock.The experimenter first sounds a buzzer,then a few seconds later turns on the shock.Pressing the bar after the buzzer sounds but before the shock is delivered will prevent the shock from occurring.This is an example of __________ .
A)avoidance training
B)modelling
C)classical conditioning
D)punishment learning

Accepted Answer

This is an example of avoidance training, where the animal learns to avoid an upcoming aversive event (in this case, the shock) by performing a specific behavior (pressing the bar). Classical conditioning and punishment learning involve the association between a stimulus and a response, while modeling is observing and imitating the behavior of others.

Quiz 7: Learning and Bahaviour Analysis

Gretta spends a lot of time at the race track betting on ponies,and occasionally she wins.The frequency of her betting is controlled by which of the following?

Linda sees a sign on a farmer's fence that reads: HELP ME PICK STRAWBERRIES,FOR EVERY 5 QUARTS YOU PICK,KEEP ONE FOR YOURSELF.If Linda decides to pick strawberries for this farmer,she would be under a _______ schedule of reinforcement.

The only vending machine in your dorm is notorious for delivering its merchandise only occasionally when people put money in it.This is most similar to a _______ schedule of reinforcement.

An infant who is fed every four hours is on a schedule that is SIMILAR to which of the following?

Sandy's favourite activity is to go to Las Vegas and play the slot machines.Her gambling behaviour is being reinforced on a __________ schedule.

The schedule of reinforcement that yields the slowest increase in a behaviour and the fastest extinction of the behaviour when the schedule is stopped is ________.

A person who receives a monthly salary is on a:

Five-year-old Tommy is helping get ready for a family reunion at Thanksgiving by polishing the good silverware.If his mother gives him a dime for each piece he polishes,what kind of reinforcement schedule is she using?

Research suggests that delayed reinforcement ____________.

A reinforcer that removes something unpleasant from a situation is called a __________ reinforcer.

According to the law of effect,a behaviour is MOST likely to be stamped in,or repeated,when it is __________.

A reinforcer that is reinforcing in and of itself is called a ________ reinforcer.

On a fixed-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________.

Your professor has informed you at the beginning of the term that you will have eight tests-but they will all be unannounced.This is most similar to a _______ reinforcement schedule.

On a variable-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given ________.

A very high rate of responding is produced by a _______ schedule of reinforcement.

On a fixed-ratio schedule,reinforcement is given _________ .

Anything that increases the likelihood that a behaviour will occur more frequently is called a(n) __________ .

Lila doesn't like her psychology class because the instructor uses unannounced pop exams to test the class.As a result,she never knows when she will be tested.Her instructor is testing her on a __________ schedule.