Exam Questions: Classical and Operant Conditioning

What is the primary focus of operant conditioning?

• Behavior frequency based on past actions.

• Development of cognitive skills

• Understanding emotional responses

• Behavior frequency based on consequences.

Positive reinforcement decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future? T or F?

• True

• False

Who developed the fundamental principles of operant conditioning?

• Albert Bandura
• John Watson
• B.F. Skinner
• Ivan Pavlov

In operant conditioning, behaviors followed by favorable consequences will occur ____________ frequently. (more or less)

• more

• less

Match the type of reinforcement or punishment to its definition:

• positive punishment

• Removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus to encourage a desired behavior

• negative reinforcement

• The frequency of the behavior depends on the consequences that follow that behavior.

• positive reinforcement

• Removing a desirable stimulus after an undesirable behavior to decrease the likelihood of it happening again

• negative punishment

• A technique that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again by rewarding it with something desirable: 

• operant conditioning

• Adding an undesirable consequence after an unwanted behavior to make it less appealing

Which of the following examples illustrates negative reinforcement?

• losing privileges for not following rules

• taking ibuprofen to relieve pain

• receiving praise for helping others

• getting candy for good grades

Delayed reinforcement tends to be more effective than immediate reinforcement? T or F?

• True

• False

What is the law of effect?

• The law of effect suggests that behaviors are random and not influenced by outcomes.
• The law of effect is a theory that only negative consequences affect behavior.
• Behaviors with favorable consequences will occur more frequently.

• The law of effect states that all behaviors are equally reinforced.

Secondary reinforcement is something you have learned to value, such as _______.

• money

• praise

• food

Which statement about immediate and delayed reinforcement is correct?

• Immediate reinforcement is more effective than delayed reinforcement.

• Delayed reinforcement is the preferred method in all situations.

• They are equally effective in long term behavior change.

• Immediate reinforcement is less effective than delayed reinforcement.