Question 1

Research on operant conditioning suggests that the longer a reward for a good deed is delayed,the

Accepted Answer

Research on operant conditioning suggests that the longer a reward for a good deed is delayed, the less of an impact the reward has. This is because delayed rewards are less effective in reinforcing the behavior that led to the reward.

Question 2

When counterconditioning is used,a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus that is _______ the conditioned response.

Accepted Answer

Counterconditioning involves pairing a conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that is incompatible with the undesired conditioned response. This means that the unconditioned stimulus should elicit a response that cannot coexist with the original conditioned response, leading to a new association between the conditioned stimulus and a more desirable response. Therefore, choice D, "incompatible with," is the best answer.

Question 3

The Smith's new puppy cries in the middle of the night.Various family members periodically check the dog,who responds by happily wagging his tail.Lately,his crying has actually increased.This increase is likely due to

Accepted Answer

The increase in the puppy's crying is likely due to positive reinforcement, as the puppy is being rewarded with attention from family members when it cries. This positive reinforcement is strengthening the behavior of crying, leading to an increase in the behavior.

Question 4

Learning that occurs as a result of the consequences of our behavior is called _______ conditioning.

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it. The term was developed by behaviorist B.F. Skinner and is sometimes referred to as Skinnerian conditioning. Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. Pavlovian conditioning is another term for classical conditioning. Observational learning, also called social learning or modeling, occurs when an individual acquires new behaviors or information by watching and imitating others.

Question 5

At the beginning of a learning process using positive reinforcement,it is important to

Accepted Answer

Using consistent reinforcement at the beginning of a learning process is important to establish a clear association between the desired behavior and the reward. This helps the learner understand what behavior is expected and increases the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. Avoiding extrinsic rewards is not necessarily needed as they can also be effective in motivating learners, but they should be gradually phased out as the desired behavior becomes more established. Using secondary reinforcement only may not be effective as it relies on the learner already having an association with the reward. Progressing very slowly may lead to frustration and a lack of motivation for the learner.

Question 6

In classical conditioning,one has the ability to "un-do" the association of neutral stimuli with fearful responses by using the process of

Accepted Answer

Counterconditioning involves pairing the previously neutral stimulus with a positive or desirable outcome, which can "un-do" the association of the neutral stimulus with the fearful response. Stimulus generalization occurs when a response is elicited by stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus, while stimulus discrimination involves only responding to the specific conditioned stimulus. Spontaneous recovery involves the sudden reappearance of the conditioned response after extinction has occurred.

Question 7

Which of the following is a key element in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

In operant conditioning, behavior is strengthened or weakened based on the consequences that follow it. This could include positive reinforcement (adding something desirable after a behavior), negative reinforcement (removing something aversive after a behavior), punishment (adding something aversive after a behavior), or extinction (removing something desirable after a behavior). The other options (A, B, and D) may be relevant to other types of learning, but are not key elements in operant conditioning.

Question 8

What is the overall effect of delay of reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Delay of reinforcement slows learning because it creates a gap between the behavior and the reward, which can make it more difficult for individuals to make a connection between their actions and the consequences. This can result in decreased motivation and less effective learning.

Question 9

Let's say you have a hungry cat in your kitchen.You use your electric can opener,which makes a rather loud sound,to open a can of cat food.You have done this many times before.The hungry cat runs toward the plate of food when it sees it being set on the floor.In this example,running toward a plate of food when set in front of the cat is a/n

Accepted Answer

Running toward a plate of food when set in front of the cat is an unconditioned response because it is a natural, instinctive reaction to the presence of food.

Question 10

Joe has been afraid of cats since childhood when he was attacked and scratched by a neighborhood stray.A fear such as Joe's may best be explained by

Accepted Answer

Joe's fear of cats can be best explained by classical conditioning, which involves the learning of associations between stimuli. In this case, Joe learned to associate cats with pain and fear due to his past experience of being attacked and scratched by a neighborhood stray. As a result, he experiences fear and anxiety when he encounters cats, even if they are harmless.

Question 11

The origins of unusual sexual fetishes may best be explained by

Accepted Answer

The origins of unusual sexual fetishes are often explained by classical conditioning due to the association between the fetish object or situation and sexual arousal. This can occur through repeated pairings of the two stimuli, resulting in a learned response.

Question 12

A child cries until his mother gives him a piece of candy.The candy is a(n)

Accepted Answer

The piece of candy serves as a positive reinforcer as it increases the likelihood of the child crying in the future to receive more candy. A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Question 13

Learning from the consequences of our behavior,which in turn leads to the strengthening,or weakening of behaviors is called

Accepted Answer

Learning from the consequences of behavior is a key component of operant conditioning, where behaviors are strengthened or weakened through reinforcement or punishment. Observational learning involves observing others' behaviors and their consequences, while latent learning refers to learning that occurs without immediate reinforcement or obvious behavior. Classical conditioning involves learning associations between stimuli and responses.

Question 14

Thorndike's "law of effect" suggests that

Accepted Answer

Thorndike's law of effect states that the consequences of a behavior, whether they are positive or negative, will influence the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. The idea is that behaviors that result in desirable outcomes (positive consequences) are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that result in undesirable outcomes (negative consequences) are less likely to be repeated.

Question 15

When a sexual fetish develops,the conditioned stimulus is

Accepted Answer

In a sexual fetish, the conditioned stimulus is a nonsexual object that has become associated with sexual arousal through repeated pairings with sexual behavior or arousal. Examples include leather, feet, or clothing materials. While sexual behavior and erotic pictures may contribute to sexual arousal, they themselves are not the conditioned stimulus in a fetish. Primary reinforcers, such as food or water, are not typically associated with the development of a fetish.

Question 16

Fred asks his mom for a cookie,but the answer is no.He whines and cries,so his mom gives him a cookie and he calms down.According to the principles of operant conditioning,what can be expected?

Accepted Answer

According to the principles of operant conditioning, Fred's behavior (whining and crying) was reinforced by receiving a cookie. Therefore, he is likely to repeat this behavior in the future to obtain what he wants.

Question 17

If classical conditioning has been successfully accomplished,what type of response follows the presentation of a conditioned stimulus?

Accepted Answer

The conditioned response follows the presentation of a conditioned stimulus in classical conditioning. The conditioned response is a learned response that is elicited by the conditioned stimulus, after it has been paired with the unconditioned stimulus. Therefore, the best choice is A) conditioned response.

Question 18

The study of "Little Albert" is a famous example of the study of learned that was conducted by

Accepted Answer

The study of "Little Albert" was conducted by John Watson in 1920 and is a famous example of classical conditioning.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the law of effect?

Accepted Answer

The law of effect states that the consequence of a response determines whether the response will be repeated. If the consequence is positive (e.g. a reward or reinforcement), the behavior is more likely to be repeated. If the consequence is negative (e.g. punishment), the behavior is less likely to be repeated. This law was first proposed by Edward Thorndike based on his experiments with cats in puzzle boxes.

Question 20

When voluntary behaviors are either strengthened or weakened by their outcomes,the behavioral changes result from

Accepted Answer

Voluntary behaviors being strengthened or weakened by their outcomes is a clear indication of operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped by their consequences or outcomes. Insight learning involves sudden realizations, while classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with a reflexive response, and observational learning involves learning by observing others.

Quiz 7: Basic Principles of Learning