Question 1

Which of the following best describes the law of effect as proposed by Edward L. Thorndike?

Accepted Answer

If the presence of a stimulus leads to satisfying effects, the response is strengthened.

Question 2

In B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning, what is the main function of a reinforcer?

Accepted Answer

To increase an organism's tendency to make a response.

Question 3

A child receives praise for completing homework. Over time, the child completes homework more often. This scenario best illustrates:

Accepted Answer

Positive reinforcement

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a secondary reinforcer?

Accepted Answer

Money

Question 5

A slot machine pays out, on average, every 6 plays. This is an example of which schedule of reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Variable-ratio

Question 6

Which process in operant conditioning involves the gradual weakening and disappearance of a response when it is no longer followed by reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Extinction

Question 7

A rat presses a lever to turn off an electric shock. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Escape learning

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates stimulus discrimination in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A pigeon pecks only at a red light, but not at a green light.

Question 9

Immediate reinforcement produces the fastest conditioning. Which equation best represents the relationship between response rate $R$ and reinforcement delay $D$?

Accepted Answer

$R = \frac{k}{D}$

Question 10

A government employee receives a paycheck every two weeks, regardless of performance. This is an example of which schedule of reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Fixed-interval

Question 11

Which of the following statements about primary and secondary reinforcers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Secondary reinforcers acquire their value through association with primary reinforcers.

Question 12

Which schedule of reinforcement typically produces the highest and most steady rate of responding?

Accepted Answer

Variable-ratio

Question 13

A surfer waits for a big wave and is rewarded when it arrives, but the time between waves is unpredictable. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Variable-interval schedule

Question 14

Which of the following best describes shaping in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Reinforcing closer and closer approximations of a desired response.

Question 15

A student studies regularly because it removes the anxiety of failing exams. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a basic process in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning

Question 17

If a response is reinforced only some of the time, which type of reinforcement schedule is being used?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent (partial) reinforcement

Question 18

A rat learns to run when a light comes on to avoid a shock. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Avoidance learning

Question 19

Which of the following best illustrates stimulus generalization in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

A child calls all four-legged animals 'dog' after learning the word for the family pet.

Question 20

If $N$ is the number of nonreinforced responses required for a fixed-ratio schedule, which formula represents the probability $P$ of receiving a reinforcer after $N$ responses?

Accepted Answer

$P = \frac{1}{N}$

Operant Conditioning: Principles, Processes, and Schedules (Chapter 6 Study Notes)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards