Classical & Operant Conditioning Quiz

Any event or situation that evokes a response is a(n)

• a. reward

• b. acquisition

• c. stimulus

• d. operant

Answer explanation

A stimulus is any event or situation that triggers a response.

In classical conditioning, what is the role of the unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

• It is a learned stimulus that produces a response.

• It triggers an automatic, natural response without prior learning.

• It becomes the conditioned stimulus after repeated pairings.

• It is only effective when paired with a punishment.

Answer explanation

The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) triggers an automatic, natural response without prior learning, making it essential in classical conditioning. This distinguishes it from learned stimuli, which require conditioning to elicit a response.

In classical conditioning, what is the role of the Neutral Stimulus (NS)?

• The Neutral Stimulus (NS) serves as a stimulus that initially does not produce a response but can become a Conditioned Stimulus (CS) through association.

• The Neutral Stimulus (NS) can never become a Conditioned Stimulus (CS) because it does not naturally elicit a response.

• The Neutral Stimulus (NS) is the same as the Unconditioned Stimulus (US).

• The Neutral Stimulus (NS) always elicits a strong response immediately.

Answer explanation

A Neutral Stimulus (NS) does not initially elicit a response but can become a Conditioned Stimulus (CS) through association, which is fundamental in classical conditioning.

Which of the following best describes acquisition in classical conditioning?

• When the conditioned stimulus (CS) is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to elicit a conditioned response (CR).

• When a previously learned behavior is forgotten.

• When an organism distinguishes between two similar stimuli.

• When an unconditioned response (UCR) disappears permanently.

Answer explanation

Acquisition in classical conditioning occurs when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) multiple times, leading to the development of a conditioned response (CR).

If a dog salivates when hearing a bell because the bell was paired with food, what is the conditioned response (CR)?

• The bell

• The food

• The salivation in response to the bell

• The salivation in response to the food

Answer explanation

The conditioned response (CR) is the salivation in response to the bell, as it occurs after the bell has been associated with food. The dog learns to salivate when hearing the bell, not when seeing the food.

Which of the following is an example of stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

• A dog salivates only to the exact bell sound used in training.

• A child learns to fear all dogs after being bitten by one.

• A rat stops pressing a lever when food is no longer provided.

• A person avoids a certain restaurant after getting food poisoning.

Answer explanation

Stimulus generalization occurs when a response is elicited by stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus. A child fearing all dogs after being bitten exemplifies this, as the fear extends beyond the specific dog that caused it.

In this infamous and unethical Little Albert Experiment, behaviorist John B. Watson used the classical conditioning model to condition a baby boy named Albert to have a phobia for white rabbits. Watson then experimented with other stimuli to test for stimulus generalization and discrimination, such as presenting Albert with the dog, the monkey, and other things like a white Santa beard to see if they evoked a fear response such as the rabbit had been conditioned to do. _{https://www.verywellmind.com/the-little-albert-experiment-2794994}

What happens during spontaneous recovery?

• A conditioned response (CR) reappears after extinction when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented again.

• A conditioned response (CR) is permanently forgotten.

• A behavior is reinforced through punishment.

• An organism stops responding to a conditioned stimulus (CS) completely.

Answer explanation

During spontaneous recovery, a conditioned response (CR) that was previously extinguished reappears when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented again, indicating that the learning is not completely forgotten.

Which of the following best defines operant conditioning?

• Learning that occurs through associations between two stimuli.

• Learning that occurs through the consequences of behavior.

• Learning that is based purely on observation.

• Learning that results from instinct rather than experience.

Answer explanation

Operant conditioning is defined as learning that occurs through the consequences of behavior, where behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on rewards or punishments.

The psychologist most closely associated with the study of operant conditioning was

• B. F. Skinner

• Ivan Pavlov

• John B. Watson

• Edward L. Thorndike

Answer explanation

B. F. Skinner is the psychologist most closely associated with operant conditioning, a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

What is the main difference between positive and negative reinforcements/punishments?

• Positive/negative punishment strengthens behavior, while positive/negative reinforcement weakens it.

• Positive reinforcement/punishment adds a stimulus, while negative reinforcement/punishment removes one.

• Positive punishment punishes bad behavior, while negative reinforcement rewards good behavior.

• Positive and negative reinforcements are good, but positive and negative punishments are bad.

Answer explanation

Positive reinforcement/punishment adds a stimulus, while negative reinforcement/punishment removes one.

Reinforcement strengthens behavior, while punishment weakens it.

Positive = addition

Negative = subtraction

Reinforcement = YES! Do it again!

Punishment = STOP DOING THAT!