Which of the following best illustrates a study using the free-operant method?
A) A rat receives an electric shock following a 5-second light-on interval
B) A rat is required to run in a maze until it finds the food box and is then removed from the box
C) A rat is placed in a chamber for one hour with a lever available that delivers food after every 10th response
D) A rat is given free access to high-calorie food, is subsequently euthanized, and then its brain is compared to the brains of rats that ate only low-calorie foods

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The free-operant method allows an animal to operate an apparatus (like a lever) freely to obtain a reinforcer (like food) without being limited by discrete trials or specific cues. Choice C, where a rat can press a lever at any time to receive food after a certain number of responses, exemplifies this approach by allowing the rat to respond at its own pace without external constraints.

Which of the Following Best Illustrates a Study Using the Free-Operant