Learning Theories Quiz

Which of the following is the best definition of learning according to behavioral theories?

• Acquiring new information through experience

• A permanent change in behavior due to experience

• An improvement in cognitive abilities

• A temporary change in knowledge

What is the process called when a previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response through conditioning?

• Classical conditioning

• Operant conditioning

• Observational learning

• Cognitive dissonance

In Pavlov's experiments with dogs, what was the unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

• The sound of a bell

• The sight of food

• Salivation in response to food

• Salivation in response to the bell

In operant conditioning, a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated is known as:

• Punishment

• Reinforcement

• Extinction

• Negative reinforcement

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

• Giving a student extra homework for talking in class

• A child being praised for completing homework

• A teacher removing a quiz after students perform well on practice tests

• A student losing recess privileges for disruptive behavior

What is the term for the process of weakening or eliminating a behavior by removing reinforcement?

• Extinction

• Shaping

• Modeling

• Generalization

Albert Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes the importance of:

• Classical conditioning

• Observational learning

• Operant conditioning

• Sensory memory

According to Bandura, which of the following is necessary for observational learning to occur?

• Punishment

• Trial and error

• Attention

• Reinforcement

What is vicarious reinforcement?

• Learning by watching someone else receive rewards or punishments

• Directly experiencing the consequences of your own behavior

• Receiving rewards for observing someone else's success

• Imitating behaviors without reinforcement

Which concept refers to the idea that behaviors can be influenced by beliefs in one's own ability to perform tasks?

• Self-efficacy

• Classical conditioning

• Negative reinforcement

• Intrinsic motivation