Question 1

Jeremy consistently shows up to work late on Friday mornings. His manager wants to decrease this behavior, so she gave him a written reprimand that was placed in his file. This type of reinforcement is called ______.
A) punishment by removal
B) punishment by application
C) negative reinforcement
D) positive reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Punishment by application involves adding an aversive stimulus (in this case, a written reprimand) to decrease a behavior.

Question 2

Lee is interested in developing a program that applies reinforcement theory in his organization. This is known as ______.
A) organizational climate change
B) organizational development
C) strategic management modification
D) organizational behavior modification

Accepted Answer

Applying reinforcement theory to shape and modify employee behavior is known as organizational behavior modification. This involves the use of positive or negative reinforcement to encourage desirable behavior or discourage undesirable behavior. It is a popular approach to improving performance and productivity in organizations. Options A, B, and C are not specific to reinforcement theory application.

Question 3

Jacob brings donuts in for his employees once a week, but he varies which day he brings them (sometimes on Monday and sometimes on Wednesday, etc.). The employees never know when they will be treated with donuts, so the element of surprise is motivating. Jacob is using which type of reinforcement schedule?
A) fixed-ratio
B) variable-interval
C) fixed-interval
D) variable-ratio

Accepted Answer

Jacob is using a variable-interval reinforcement schedule because he is reinforcing the behavior of his employees (coming into work) at varying intervals (sometimes on Monday, sometimes on Wednesday, etc.) without a predictable pattern. This is similar to how pop quizzes in school work - you never know when one will happen, so you are motivated to study regularly.

Question 4

Which of the following is another term for extinction?
A) punishment by removal
B) punishment by application
C) positive reinforcement
D) reward

Accepted Answer

Extinction refers to the process of gradually decreasing the frequency or strength of a behavior by withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained it. This can be seen as a type of punishment, as the desired outcome is to reduce or eliminate the behavior. Punishment by removal is another term for extinction because it involves removing or withholding a reinforcement that was previously in place. B, C, and D are not synonyms for extinction.

Question 5

Which of the following is a favorable event or outcome presented after a behavior?
A) negative reinforcement
B) neutral reinforcement
C) positive reinforcement
D) punishment

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement is the presentation of a favorable event or outcome after a behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an adverse event or outcome after a behavior, while punishment involves the presentation of an unfavorable event or outcome after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of it being repeated. Neutral reinforcement does not exist as a concept in behavioral psychology.

Question 6

When a specified behavior is no longer rewarded or punished every time but rewarded or punished on a more random basis, it is which type of schedule of reinforcement?
A) variable-interval
B) variable-ratio
C) partial
D) continuous

Accepted Answer

This type of schedule is called partial reinforcement. When a behavior has been reinforced on a continuous basis and is then only reinforced sporadically, the behavior is more likely to persist because the subject becomes uncertain when the next reinforcement will be given. In variable-interval, the reinforcement is still given based on time, but the amount of time is varied, and in variable-ratio, the reinforcement is given based on the number of responses, but the number varies. However, neither of these schedules involve a change from continuous reinforcement to intermittent reinforcement, which is what is described in the question.

Question 7

Elliot recently studied reinforcement theory in his organizational behavior class. He understands that how often a reward or punishment is applied can predict learning and motivation. This is referred to as ______.
A) theory of motivation
B) annual review process
C) schedules of reinforcement
D) punishment planner

Accepted Answer

The term used in reinforcement theory for how often a reward or punishment is applied is "schedules of reinforcement." Choice A, theory of motivation, is a more general term that could refer to a variety of motivational theories. Choice B, annual review process, is not directly related to reinforcement theory. Choice D, punishment planner, is not a commonly used term in the context of organizational behavior or reinforcement theory.

Question 8

Pam is a new manager who is trying to use reinforcement theory in motivating her employees. She should understand that which of the following is the motivating emphasis according to this theory?
A) personality
B) the environment
C) thoughts
D) attitudes

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory focuses on the role of the environment in shaping and reinforcing behavior. This means that Pam should focus on providing positive reinforcement (e.g. rewards) for desired behaviors and using punishment or negative reinforcement (e.g. removal of unpleasant consequences) for undesired behaviors. Personality, thoughts, and attitudes do not play a direct role in this theory.

Question 9

What is a theory that proposes that individual personality, thoughts, and attitudes do not motivate behavior?
A) enforcement theory
B) operant conditioning
C) classical conditioning
D) stimulus theory

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a theory that proposes that...

Question 10

David likes to play the lottery. Sometimes he wins, but most times he does not. This is an example of which type of reinforcement schedule?
A) fixed-ratio
B) fixed-interval
C) variable-ratio
D) variable-interval

Accepted Answer

The scenario described is an example of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule, as the reinforcement (winning the lottery) is delivered on a variable number of attempts (sometimes he wins, sometimes he doesn't).

Question 11

Ella works in a doll manufacturing company, and she is paid US$1 for every doll she puts together. This type of reinforcement schedule can be referred to as ______.
A) variable-ratio
B) fixed-ratio
C) fixed-interval
D) variable-interval

Accepted Answer

This is a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule because Ella is receiving a fixed payment for completing a specific number of dolls (1 payment for 1 doll). In a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule, the number of responses needed to obtain reinforcement would vary, such as receiving payment after assembling a random number of dolls. Fixed-interval and variable-interval schedules are based on time rather than the number of responses, with fixed-interval schedules providing reinforcement after a fixed amount of time has passed and variable-interval schedules providing reinforcement after varying amounts of time have passed.

Question 12

Which of the following is summarized as "past actions that led to positive outcomes tend to be repeated, whereas past actions that led to negative outcomes will diminish"?
A) the law of diminishing returns
B) the law of attraction
C) the law of effect
D) the law of cause

Accepted Answer

The law of effect states that past actions that resulted in positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated in the future, while past actions that resulted in negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated. The law of diminishing returns refers to a decrease in the marginal output of a production process, the law of attraction is a belief that positive thinking can bring about positive outcomes, and the law of cause is not a commonly recognized psychological principle.

Question 13

Which of the following is the removal of an unpleasant event or outcome after the display of a behavior?
A) positive reinforcement
B) negative reinforcement
C) neutral reinforcement
D) reward

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant event or outcome after the display of a behavior. This can increase the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future as the person learns that the behavior removes the unpleasant event. Positive reinforcement involves the addition of a desirable event or outcome after the display of a behavior, while neutral reinforcement refers to the absence of any consequence or outcome after a behavior. A reward is a desirable outcome provided after a behavior, and can fall under the category of positive reinforcement.

Question 14

According to research, which of the following reinforcement schedules produce the most persistent, long-term effects on behavior?
A) continuous
B) variable-interval
C) variable-ratio
D) fixed-ratio

Accepted Answer

Variable-ratio reinforcement schedules produce the most persistent, long-term effects on behavior because they involve reinforcing a behavior after a random number of instances. This type of schedule leads to high rates of responding and is resistant to extinction, as individuals continue to exhibit the behavior in the hope of receiving reinforcement.

Question 15

Operant conditioning was initially studied with experiments conducted on ______.
A) monkeys
B) dogs
C) rats
D) humans

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning was first studied extensively by B.F. Skinner in experiments with laboratory animals, particularly rats. Skinner used the term operant to describe any behavior that is voluntary and is controlled by its consequences.

Question 16

When a specified behavior is rewarded or punished every time it occurs, it is which type of schedule of reinforcement?
A) fixed-interval
B) fixed-ratio
C) partial
D) continuous

Accepted Answer

Continuous reinforcement schedule involves reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs.

Question 17

Amanda knows that motivation is important in the workplace. As a manager, she is trying to understand the concept of reinforcers. Amanda should know that a reinforcer is ______.
A) an event that only weakens the behavior it follows
B) an event that only strengthens the behavior it follows
C) an event that strengthens or weakens behavior that precedes it
D) an event that strengthens or weakens behavior it follows

Accepted Answer

A reinforcer is an event that can either strengthen or weaken a behavior depending on whether it is a positive or negative reinforcer. Positive reinforcers increase the likelihood of behavior repeating in the future, while negative reinforcers decrease the likelihood of behavior repeating in the future. Both positive and negative reinforcers strengthen or weaken the behavior that precedes them. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 18

Operant conditioning is another term for ______.
A) reinforcement theory
B) enforcement theory
C) reenactment theory
D) classical theory

Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened based on the consequences (reinforcement or punishment) that follow the behavior. Reinforcement theory is the study of the relationship between behavior and its consequences, which is the same as operant conditioning.

Question 19

Alexandra is paid every 2 weeks by her employer. This type of reinforcement schedule could be referred to as ______.
A) fixed-interval
B) fixed-ratio
C) variable-interval
D) variable-ratio

Accepted Answer

Alexandra is being paid on a fixed schedule every 2 weeks, which falls under the fixed-interval reinforcement schedule. This means the reinforcement (pay) is delivered on a consistent and predictable basis, but only after a certain amount of time has elapsed (in this case, every 2 weeks).

Question 20

Reinforcement theory is based on the ______.
A) the law of reciprocity
B) the law of gravity
C) the law of cause
D) the law of effect

Accepted Answer

Reinforcement theory is based on the law of effect, which states that behavior that is followed by positive consequences is likely to be repeated, whereas behavior that is followed by negative consequences is less likely to be repeated.

Quiz 9: Motivation: Applications

Jeremy consistently shows up to work late on Friday mornings. His manager wants to decrease this behavior, so she gave him a written reprimand that was placed in his file. This type of reinforcement is called ______.

Lee is interested in developing a program that applies reinforcement theory in his organization. This is known as ______.

Which of the following is another term for extinction?

Which of the following is a favorable event or outcome presented after a behavior?

When a specified behavior is no longer rewarded or punished every time but rewarded or punished on a more random basis, it is which type of schedule of reinforcement?

Elliot recently studied reinforcement theory in his organizational behavior class. He understands that how often a reward or punishment is applied can predict learning and motivation. This is referred to as ______.

Pam is a new manager who is trying to use reinforcement theory in motivating her employees. She should understand that which of the following is the motivating emphasis according to this theory?

What is a theory that proposes that individual personality, thoughts, and attitudes do not motivate behavior?

David likes to play the lottery. Sometimes he wins, but most times he does not. This is an example of which type of reinforcement schedule?

Ella works in a doll manufacturing company, and she is paid US$1 for every doll she puts together. This type of reinforcement schedule can be referred to as ______.

Which of the following is summarized as "past actions that led to positive outcomes tend to be repeated, whereas past actions that led to negative outcomes will diminish"?

Which of the following is the removal of an unpleasant event or outcome after the display of a behavior?

According to research, which of the following reinforcement schedules produce the most persistent, long-term effects on behavior?

Operant conditioning was initially studied with experiments conducted on ______.

When a specified behavior is rewarded or punished every time it occurs, it is which type of schedule of reinforcement?

Amanda knows that motivation is important in the workplace. As a manager, she is trying to understand the concept of reinforcers. Amanda should know that a reinforcer is ______.

Operant conditioning is another term for ______.

Alexandra is paid every 2 weeks by her employer. This type of reinforcement schedule could be referred to as ______.

Reinforcement theory is based on the ______.