Skinner's Theory of Behaviorism Quiz

Who is known as a leading American psychologist and a proponent of the behaviorist theory of learning?

• Edward Thorndike

• Ivan Pavlov

• John B. Watson

• B.F. Skinner

What is the method of learning where the consequences of a response determine the probability of it being repeated?

• Neutral conditioning

• Instrumental conditioning

• Operant conditioning

• Classical conditioning

What is the term used by Skinner to describe responses from the environment that increase the probability of a behavior being repeated?

• Neutral operants

• Reinforcers

• Punishes

• Positive stimuli

What is the term used by Skinner to describe responses from the environment that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated?

• Neutral operants

• Reinforcers

• Punishes

• Negative stimuli

What is the term used by Skinner to describe the removal of an unpleasant state following a response?

• Positive reinforcement

• Escape learning

• Negative reinforcement

• Avoidance learning

In operant conditioning, what produces the highest response rate for students learning a new task?

• Fixed ratio

• Variable ratio

• Variable interval

• Fixed interval

What is a simple way to shape behavior by providing feedback on learner performance?

• Positive reinforcement

• Reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement

• Punishment

How can unwanted behaviors such as tiredness and dominating class discussion be extinguished in the classroom?

• By praising the behavior

• By ignoring the behavior

• By reinforcing the behavior

• By punishing the behavior

What concept did B.F. Skinner introduce that involves strengthening behavior by presenting a desired stimulus after the behavior?

• Negative reinforcement

• Positive reinforcement

• Extinction

• Punishment

In the context of operant conditioning, what is the process called when a behavior is followed by a consequence that decreases the likelihood of the behavior's recurrence?

• Positive reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement

• Punishment

• Extinction