B.F. Skinner's Theory Quiz

Which of the following best describes B.F. Skinner's theory?

• Behavior is shaped by cognitive processes.

• Behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment.

• Behavior is shaped by genetic factors.

• Behavior is shaped by unconscious drives.

Skinner's theory emphasizes the importance of:

• Unconscious conflicts

• Observable behavior

• Internal thoughts and feelings

• Genetic predispositions

Which of the following is a criticism of Skinner's behaviorism?

• It ignores the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior.

• It places too much emphasis on cognitive factors.

• It overlooks the influence of genetic factors on behavior.

• It dehumanizes individuals and reduces them to passive responders to stimuli.

What term does Skinner use to describe a behavior that has been extinguished?

• Extinction

• Reinforcement

• Punishment

• Shaping

In Skinner's theory, what is negative reinforcement?

• Adding something desirable to increase a behavior

• Removing something undesirable to increase a behavior

• Adding something undesirable to decrease a behavior

• Removing something desirable to decrease a behavior

What is the term for the process of learning through observation and imitation, according to Skinner?

• Classical conditioning

• Operant conditioning

• Social learning

• Habituation

According to Skinner, what is the primary determinant of behavior?

• Emotions

• Genetics

• Consequences

• Social norms

What is a key concept in Skinner's theory regarding the environment's role in shaping behavior?

• Modeling

• Observational learning

• Reinforcement contingencies

• Social comparison

What is the term for the weakening and eventual disappearance of a learned behavior when it is no longer reinforced?

• Extinction

• Reinforcement

• Punishment

• Conditioning

In Skinner's theory, what is the role of punishment?

• To increase the likelihood of a behavior recurring

• To decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring

• To reinforce desirable behaviors

• To shape complex behaviors