In an investigation of learned helplessness, some rats successfully avoid a painful shock by moving to a certain corner of the cage. These rats' behavior is learned through:
A) positive reinforcement
B) positive punishment
C) negative reinforcement
D) negative punishment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rats' behavior of moving to a certain corner of the cage is learned through negative reinforcement, as it allows them to avoid the aversive stimulus of a painful shock. Negative reinforcement involves the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus, which strengthens the likelihood of desired behavior. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, involves the presentation of a desirable stimulus to strengthen desired behavior. Positive punishment involves the presentation of an aversive stimulus to decrease undesired behavior, and negative punishment involves the removal of a desirable stimulus to decrease undesired behavior.

In an Investigation of Learned Helplessness, Some Rats Successfully Avoid