Question 1

When a leader primarily uses positive reinforcement,an occasional deserved punishment will seriously deter the employee's improvement plan.

Accepted Answer

If a leader primarily uses positive reinforcement, it is unlikely that an occasional deserved punishment will seriously deter the employee's improvement plan. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desired behavior, rather than punishing undesired behavior, so the employee is more likely to respond positively to rewards and continue to exhibit the desired behavior. However, if a punishment is deemed necessary, it should be fair and consistent with previous consequences to maintain the credibility of the leader and the system.

Question 2

Intermittent reinforcement can be divided into interval and ratio as well as fixed and variable schedules.

Accepted Answer

Intermittent reinforcement can indeed be divided into interval and ratio schedules as well as fixed and variable schedules.

Question 3

Interval reinforcement is the simplest schedule of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

The simplest schedule of reinforcement is continuous reinforcement, where a reward is given after every correct response. Interval reinforcement, which involves time intervals between rewards, is more complex.

Question 4

Managers using reinforcement to encourage the learning and performance of desired behaviors do not need a schedule for applying reinforcers.

Accepted Answer

Managers using reinforcement should have a consistent and planned schedule for applying reinforcers, as this helps to establish clear expectations and rewards for desired behaviors. Inconsistent or unpredictable reinforcement can be less effective in encouraging behavior change.

Question 5

A good rule of thumb is for managers is five positive reinforcements to one punishment.

Accepted Answer

This is a commonly cited rule in management theory and practice. Providing positive reinforcement is more effective at encouraging desired behaviors than punishment, so a ratio of five positive reinforcements to one punishment helps to maintain a positive work environment while still addressing any issues that may arise.

Question 6

Oral reprimand is the most common form of punishment in organizations.

Accepted Answer

Oral reprimand, also known as verbal warning, is a common form of punishment in organizations where an employee is informally spoken to by their supervisor or manager regarding a lapse in their job performance or conduct. It is a less severe punishment than written reprimands or suspension from work, which are reserved for more serious offenses. Therefore, it is the most commonly used form of punishment in organizations.

Question 7

Continuous reinforcement means that the behavior is reinforced each time it occurs and is the simplest schedule of reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement means that the desired behavior is reinforced every time it occurs.

Question 8

Vague and general oral reprimands should not be given about behavior and especially not about a so-called bad attitude.

Accepted Answer

Vague and general oral reprimands lack specific feedback and clear expectations, making it difficult for individuals to understand what behavior needs to be corrected. They can also be subjective and open to interpretation, which can create confusion and resentment. Providing specific feedback and clear expectations can help individuals understand what is expected of them and how they can improve.

Question 9

Continuous reinforcement can be subdivided into (1)interval and ratio schedules,and (2)fixed and variable schedules.

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement is a type of reinforcement schedule where a behavior is reinforced every time it occurs, which does not include subdivisions into interval and ratio schedules, or fixed and variable schedules. These subdivisions apply to partial reinforcement schedules, not continuous reinforcement.

Question 10

Intermittent reinforcement occurs when a reinforcer is delivered every occurrence of the desired behavior.

Accepted Answer

Intermittent reinforcement occurs when a reinforcer is delivered only sometimes, not every time the desired behavior occurs. This type of reinforcement schedule can actually strengthen the behavior because the person/animal/etc. may persist in the behavior in hopes of receiving the reward.

Question 11

Paying employees on a piece-rate system is an example of variable interval schedule reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Paying employees on a piece-rate system is an example of a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, as the reward (payment) is based on the number of pieces produced or tasks completed, not on varying intervals of time.

Question 12

Paying employees on a piece-rate system is an example of fixed interval schedule reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Paying employees on a piece-rate system is an example of a variable ratio schedule reinforcement, where the reinforcement (payment) is tied to the number of pieces produced by the employee. Fixed interval schedule reinforcement would involve paying employees at set time intervals, such as every week or every month.

Question 13

Continuous reinforcement occurs when a reinforcer is delivered after some,but not every,occurrence of the desired behavior.

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement occurs when a reinforcer is delivered every time the desired behavior occurs, not just some of the time. The term used for reinforcement that occurs after some but not every occurrence of the desired behavior is called partial reinforcement.

Question 14

After a punishment,a manager should follow up by leaving the employee to think about correcting his behavior.

Accepted Answer

Effective management involves not just punishment but also follow-up support and guidance to help the employee understand the expectations and how to meet them, fostering positive behavior change.

Question 15

According to the Ethics Competency: Time Off for Bad Behavior,Samuel Waksal,former CEO of the biotech firm ImClone,was serving time in a federal prison for insider trading.He was released nine months early,for completing a counseling program for alcohol addiction.

Accepted Answer

This is a true statement according to the Ethics Competency regarding time off for bad behavior. Samuel Waksal, former CEO of the biotech firm ImClone, was released nine months early for completing a counseling program for alcohol addiction while serving time in federal prison for insider trading.

Question 16

The effectiveness of punishment through the short-term decrease of undesirable employee behavior usually is not continually used by managers,because it is uncomfortable for managers to use punishment.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect; the overall effectiveness of punishment may be debated, but discomfort for managers is not the reason it is not continually used. Other factors such as potential negative effects on employee morale and long-term behavior change should also be considered.

Question 17

One of the guidelines recommended for using contingencies of reinforcement in the work setting are "Do not reward all employees in the same way".

Accepted Answer

Different employees may have different preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. Rewarding them in the same way may not be motivating for everyone. It is important to tailor the rewards to individual needs and preferences to increase the effectiveness of the reinforcement.

Question 18

According to the Ethics Competency: Time Off for Bad Behavior,Samuel Waksal did not have an alcohol addiction,but entered the counseling program for alcohol addiction anyway to get out of prison early.

Accepted Answer

Samuel Waksal, the former CEO of ImClone Systems, did not have an alcohol addiction but entered a counseling program for alcohol addiction while in prison to reduce his sentence.

Question 19

Intermittent reinforcement occurs when a reinforcer is delivered after some,but not every,occurrence of the desired behavior.

Accepted Answer

Intermittent reinforcement refers to delivering a reinforcer after some, but not every, occurrence of the desired behavior. This type of reinforcement schedule can actually be more effective in maintaining behavior than continuous reinforcement, which delivers a reinforcer every time the behavior occurs.

Question 20

Deliberately or not,reinforcement is always delivered according to some schedule.

Accepted Answer

This is true, as there are various schedules of reinforcement, such as continuous reinforcement, fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, and variable interval. Regardless of whether it is intentional or not, reinforcement is always delivered according to one of these schedules.

Quiz 5: Learning Concepts to Improve Performance: Part A