Operant and classical conditioning

What is behaviourism?

• Behaviourism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned through conditioning.

• Behaviourism is a method of studying dreams and their meanings.

• Behaviourism focuses on internal thoughts and feelings rather than observable actions.

• Behaviourism is a theory that emphasizes the role of genetics in behavior.

Answer explanation

Behaviourism is a psychological theory that emphasizes observable behaviors and how they are learned through conditioning, making the first answer choice the correct one.

In operant conditioning, what is a reinforcer?

• Something that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour

• Something that increases the likelihood of a behaviour

• A neutral stimulus

• A punishment

Answer explanation

In operant conditioning, a reinforcer is something that increases the likelihood of a behavior. It strengthens the behavior by providing a favorable outcome, making it more likely to occur again in the future.

What is negative reinforcement?

• Adding something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour

• Removing something unpleasant to increase a behaviour

• Adding something pleasant to increase a behaviour

• Removing something pleasant to decrease a behaviour

Answer explanation

Negative reinforcement involves removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior. For example, taking away a loud noise when a desired action is performed encourages that action to be repeated.

Which of the following best describes punishment in operant conditioning?

• Increases the likelihood of a behaviour

• Decreases the likelihood of a behaviour

• Has no effect on behaviour

• Always involves physical consequences

Answer explanation

In operant conditioning, punishment is used to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. It involves introducing a negative consequence or removing a positive stimulus to discourage the behavior.

If a rat receives a mild electric shock every time it presses a lever, what type of operant conditioning is this?

• Positive reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement

• Positive punishment

• Negative punishment

Answer explanation

The rat experiences a mild electric shock as a consequence of pressing the lever, which decreases the likelihood of that behavior. This is an example of positive punishment, where an unpleasant stimulus is added to reduce a behavior.

Which of the following is an example of negative punishment?

• Giving a gold star for good behaviour

• Taking away a student’s phone for using it in class

• Giving extra homework for talking in class

• Allowing a student to leave early for good behaviour

Answer explanation

Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus to decrease a behavior. Taking away a student’s phone for using it in class is an example, as it removes a privilege to discourage the unwanted behavior.

What is extinction in operant conditioning?

• Extinction is the increase of a behavior by providing more reinforcement.

• Extinction occurs when a behavior is rewarded more frequently.

• Extinction is the process of learning a new behavior through reinforcement.

• Extinction is the process of reducing a behavior by discontinuing reinforcement.

Answer explanation

Extinction in operant conditioning refers to the process of reducing a behavior by discontinuing reinforcement. When reinforcement stops, the behavior is less likely to occur over time.

Which of the following scenarios is an example of positive punishment?

• Assigning extra chores for misbehavior

• Ignoring a student who is seeking attention

• Removing a privilege for breaking a rule

• Giving a student extra recess time for good behavior

Answer explanation

Positive punishment involves adding an unpleasant consequence to decrease a behavior. Assigning extra chores for misbehavior adds a negative experience, making it an example of positive punishment.

What is the difference between operant and classical conditioning?

• Classical conditioning involves rewards and punishments, while operant conditioning is about reflexive responses.
• Operant conditioning is based on instinctual responses, while classical conditioning is about voluntary actions.
• Operant conditioning focuses on behavior modification through consequences, while classical conditioning focuses on learning through association.
• Operant conditioning is only applicable to animals, while classical conditioning is only for humans.

In classical conditioning, what is the unconditioned stimulus?

• A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response

• A previously neutral stimulus that, after association, triggers a response

• A stimulus that has no effect on the response

• A stimulus that decreases the likelihood of a behavior