Question 1

When certain behaviors receive extensive reinforcement and others do not, employees tend to focus on the former and ignore the latter.

Accepted Answer

This statement suggests that employees are more likely to repeat behaviors that have been rewarded, while neglecting behaviors that are not reinforced.

Question 2

B. F. Skinner's operant conditioning approach describes how learning takes place through consequences.

Accepted Answer

B. F. Skinner's operant conditioning approach emphasizes how behavior is shaped by its consequences, such as rewards and punishments, and how those consequences can either strengthen or weaken the likelihood of the behavior occurring again in the future.

Question 3

With a fixed-ratio schedule, the time between each instance of reinforcement is fixed or set.

Accepted Answer

With a fixed-interval schedule, the time between each instance of reinforcement is fixed or set.

Question 4

The first step in the use of reinforcement is to identify desired behaviors that the organization wants to encourage or reinforce.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The first step in using reinforcement is to identify the behaviors that the organization wants to encourage or reinforce. This will involve setting specific goals and objectives for individual employees and teams, based on the needs and priorities of the organization. Once these desired behaviors have been identified, reinforcement strategies such as positive feedback, rewards, or recognition can be used to encourage employees to continue performing well and achieving their goals.

Question 5

Rodney Lewis, a medical student, has watched over 100 hours of videotaped heart operations. As a result, he has detailed knowledge of heart surgery that he did not have before. Rodney has never performed the operation, but learning has taken place.

Accepted Answer

Learning has taken place through watching and acquiring knowledge, even though Rodney has not physically performed the operation.

Question 6

Operant conditioning is learning that takes place when the learner recognizes the connection between a behavior and its consequences.

Accepted Answer

In operant conditioning, the behavior is modified based on the consequences that follow it. The learner recognizes the connection between the behavior and its consequences, which leads to a change in behavior. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 7

Negative reinforcement often has unintended side effects and makes for an unpleasant work environment.

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a certain behavior occurring again. However, this approach can have unintended side effects such as creating a hostile or unpleasant work environment. It can also cause resentment or lowered morale among employees who feel punished for their actions, which can ultimately negatively impact their performance. Therefore, negative reinforcement may not be the most effective or sustainable approach for shaping behavior in the workplace.

Question 8

In operant conditioning, reinforcement is of two types: internal and external.

Accepted Answer

In operant conditioning, reinforcement is of two types: positive and negative.

Question 9

Negative reinforcement increases the probability that a desired behavior will occur by removing a negative consequence when an employee performs the desired behavior.

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves removing a negative consequence (such as criticism or punishment) when an employee performs a desired behavior, which increases the probability of that behavior occurring again in the future.

Question 10

Learning involves a temporary change in knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Learning is a relatively permanent change in knowledge or behavior that results from practice or experience.

Question 11

Specific rewards are positive reinforcers for a given employee if he or she is willing to perform desired behaviors to get them.

Accepted Answer

Specific rewards are incentives that motivate employees to perform desired behaviors, and they are considered positive reinforcers because they enhance the probability of the behavior occurring again in the future. Examples of specific rewards include bonuses, promotions, raises, extra time off, or recognition and praise from supervisors.

Question 12

The negative consequence of an undesired behavior is called a negative reinforcer.

Accepted Answer

A negative reinforcer is a negative consequence that is removed when an employee performs the behavior desired.

Question 13

In order to facilitate the learning of desired behaviors via positive reinforcement, managers must first determine the negative consequences feared by a given employee.

Accepted Answer

Managers can use positive reinforcement to facilitate the learning of desired behaviors if they determine the consequences a given employee considers positive.

Question 14

In general, positive reinforcement is better than negative reinforcement for employees, managers, and the organization.

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding good behavior or performance, which can increase motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity. On the other hand, negative reinforcement involves punishing bad behavior, which can create fear, stress, and resentment among employees. Therefore, positive reinforcement tends to be more effective and beneficial for both individuals and the organization.

Question 15

One of the ways in which people learn is through the consequences they receive for their behaviors and actions.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. People often learn from the consequences of their actions, whether they are positive or negative. This type of learning is called operant conditioning, which is a type of learning in which a behavior is modified by its consequences. Positive consequences such as rewards increase the likelihood of behaviors being repeated, while negative consequences such as punishments decrease the likelihood of behaviors being repeated.

Question 16

If reinforcement is curtailed, partially reinforced behaviors will taper off more quickly than continuously reinforced behaviors.

Accepted Answer

If reinforcement is curtailed, continuously reinforced behaviors will taper off more quickly than partially reinforced behaviors.

Question 17

Employees who are paid $20 for every four coats they sew are being reinforced on a variable-ratio schedule.

Accepted Answer

With a fixed-ratio schedule, a certain number of desired behaviors must occur before reinforcement is provided. Many piece-rate pay plans follow a fixed-ratio schedule.

Question 18

Continuous reinforcement can result in faster learning than partial reinforcement.

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement involves providing a reward after every desired behavior, while partial reinforcement involves only occasionally providing a reward. Research has shown that continuous reinforcement can lead to faster learning because the individual is consistently receiving feedback on their behavior, while partial reinforcement may lead to inconsistent behavior as the individual may not always receive a reward for their actions.

Question 19

Psychologist B. F. Skinner was fascinated by how much the power of luck influenced behavior.

Accepted Answer

Skinner was fascinated by the power of consequences to influence behavior.

Question 20

Antecedents help employees distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviors and their consequences.

Accepted Answer

Antecedents provide cues that help employees differentiate between behaviors that are rewarded and those that are not. The consequences are the outcomes of the behavior, either positive or negative.

Quiz 5: Learning and Creativity