The hamsters in a study are running on their wheels.They have learned that if they don't run on the wheel,they'll receive a shock to their feet.This is an example of:
A) punishment.
B) escape conditioning.
C) avoidance conditioning.
D) positive reinforcement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario involves avoidance conditioning, as the hamsters are learning to engage in a behavior (running on the wheel) to avoid a negative consequence (the shock). Punishment involves introducing a negative consequence to decrease the frequency of a behavior, whereas positive reinforcement involves introducing a positive consequence to increase the frequency of a behavior. Escape conditioning involves learning to perform a behavior to terminate an ongoing negative consequence.

The Hamsters in a Study Are Running on Their Wheels