Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a reflex from an instinct?

Accepted Answer

A reflex is an automatic, involuntary response to a specific stimulus, while an instinct is a more complex, innate drive involving the organism as a whole.

Question 2

Which scenario best illustrates the process of habituation?

Accepted Answer

A student becomes less startled by the sound of the school bell after hearing it every day for several weeks.

Question 3

In classical conditioning, what is the role of the neutral stimulus (NS)?

Accepted Answer

It is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and eventually elicits a conditioned response (CR).

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the process of extinction in classical conditioning?

Accepted Answer

The conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented repeatedly without the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), leading to a decrease and eventual disappearance of the conditioned response (CR).

Question 5

A person who was conditioned to fear white rats also begins to fear white rabbits and white coats. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Stimulus generalization

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Turning off a loud alarm when a button is pressed

Question 7

According to the law of effect, which outcome is most likely to increase the probability of a behavior being repeated?

Accepted Answer

The behavior is followed by a reward.

Question 8

A factory worker is paid after assembling every 10 products. This is an example of which schedule of reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Fixed ratio

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why superstitious behavior develops, according to Skinner’s research?

Accepted Answer

Behaviors are reinforced by coincidence, leading the individual to believe their actions caused the outcome.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of latent learning?

Accepted Answer

A rat learns a maze but only demonstrates its knowledge when food is presented as a reward.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a potential problem with using punishment to change behavior?

Accepted Answer

It always increases the likelihood of the behavior recurring.

Question 12

Which of the following best illustrates biological preparedness in learning?

Accepted Answer

A person develops a taste aversion to a food after getting sick once, but not to a song played during the meal.

Question 13

Which reinforcement schedule is most resistant to extinction?

Accepted Answer

Variable ratio

Question 14

Observational learning requires all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Immediate reinforcement after observing the behavior

Question 15

A child is scolded for talking in class. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Positive punishment

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between fixed interval and variable interval reinforcement schedules?

Accepted Answer

Fixed interval schedules reinforce behavior after predictable time intervals, while variable interval schedules reinforce after unpredictable time intervals.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of stimulus discrimination?

Accepted Answer

A person only fears the sound of a specific alarm, but not other similar sounds.

Question 18

According to research on media violence, which of the following is a likely effect of repeated exposure to violent media?

Accepted Answer

Lowered inhibitions to carry out violence

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'instinctive drift'?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for animals to return to innate behaviors after repeated reinforcement.

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between reinforcement schedule and extinction rate?

Accepted Answer

$Extinction\ Rate \propto \frac{1}{Reinforcement\ Frequency}$

Learning: Mechanisms, Principles, and Applications in Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards