Suppose one trains a dog to come running for food when one whistles a 60 dB whistle and also trains the same dog to NOT come running when one whistles a 70 dB whistle. According to the peak-shift effect, which whistle would then lead to the dog's fastest running?
A) 50 dB
B) 60 dB
C) 70 dB
D) 80 dB

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The peak-shift effect suggests that the dog will respond most strongly to a stimulus that is further away from the non-reinforced stimulus (70 dB) but in the same direction as the reinforced stimulus (60 dB). Thus, a 50 dB whistle would likely lead to the dog's fastest running.

Suppose One Trains a Dog to Come Running for Food