A cat caged in complete darkness learns to press a lever to briefly turn on a light.In terms of the cat's motivation, the light serves as a(n)
A) stimulus motive.
B) cyclic drive.
C) biological motive.
D) deprivation incentives.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A stimulus motive is a motive that appears to be unlearned, but causes an increase in stimulation, such as curiosity, exploration, or playfulness. The cat pressing the lever to turn on the light suggests that the light serves as a stimulus motive, as the cat is exhibiting curiosity and exploring its environment by seeking out the light. The other choices, such as cyclic drives (such as the need for sleep or hunger), biological motives (such as the need for water or air), and deprivation incentives (such as the need for food or sex), do not fit as well with the scenario described.

A Cat Caged in Complete Darkness Learns to Press a Lever