Reinforcement that occurs when an unconditioned stimulus closely follows a conditioned stimulus is called __________ reinforcement.
A) respondent
B) instrumental
C) acquisitional
D) discriminative

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described reinforcement scenario involves classical conditioning, as it involves pairing an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) with a conditioned stimulus (CS). In classical conditioning, the UCS naturally elicits an unlearned response (e.g. salivation in response to food), while the CS becomes associated with the UCS and elicits a conditioned response (e.g. salivation in response to a bell that has been paired with food). Therefore, the reinforcement that occurs when the UCS (food) closely follows the CS (bell) is called respondent reinforcement.

Choice B refers to a different type of reinforcement called instrumental or operant conditioning, where behavior is reinforced by the consequences that follow it (e.g. a rat pressing a lever to receive food).

Choice C (acquisitional) and D (discriminative) are not terms commonly used to describe types of reinforcement.

Reinforcement That Occurs When an Unconditioned Stimulus Closely Follows a Conditioned