Operant Conditioning Quiz Questions

Operant conditioning is a learning process in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it. When a behavior is rewarded, it increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This is because the individual associates the behavior with a positive outcome, leading to a reinforcement of the behavior. Therefore, it is likely that the behavior that is rewarded will be repeated, making the statement "True" accurate.

The addition of something pleasant is not negative punishment. Negative punishment refers to the removal of something pleasant or desirable in order to decrease the likelihood of a behavior. Adding something pleasant would be considered positive reinforcement, as it aims to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Therefore, the given statement is false.

A reinforcer is anything that increases behavior. It can be a reward or a positive consequence that strengthens the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future. Punishment, on the other hand, decreases behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is "Reinforcer" because it aligns with the definition of something that increases behavior.

Derek's behavior of drawing obnoxious pictures on the blackboard for the rest of the week is a result of positive reinforcement. The laughter and attention he received from the entire class on the first day acted as a positive reinforcement, increasing the likelihood of him repeating the behavior. The positive reinforcement of attention and laughter from his peers motivated Derek to continue drawing obnoxious pictures on the blackboard.

Vicarious reinforcement refers to the process of learning by observing others being rewarded for their behavior. In this scenario, Student A sees Student B being rewarded with a gold star for picking up trash in the hallway. As a result, Student A starts picking up trash in the hopes of also receiving a gold star. This behavior is motivated by the observed reinforcement that Student B received, leading to an increase in Student A's own behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is vicarious reinforcement.

Positive punishment refers to the addition of something unpleasant or aversive in order to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future. It involves applying a consequence that the individual finds undesirable or uncomfortable, with the aim of discouraging the behavior. This is different from positive reinforcement, which involves adding something desirable to increase the likelihood of a behavior, and negative reinforcement, which involves removing something aversive to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

In operant conditioning, the stimulus refers to a specific object or event that influences behavior. It can be anything that elicits a response from an individual, such as a sound, light, or smell. The stimulus is presented to the individual, and their response to it is observed and reinforced or punished accordingly. This process helps in shaping and modifying behavior over time. Therefore, the correct answer is "Stimulus."

The "medal" is an example of a secondary reinforcer. This is because initially, Bill began running track and field for the primary reinforcer of keeping himself healthy. However, after winning a few medals, he noticed that his friends looked up to him more and he became more popular. The praise and recognition from his friends became associated with the medals, turning them into secondary reinforcers. As a result, Bill starts focusing all his attention on winning medals because they have become a source of social reinforcement and popularity.

The type of learning you are referring to, where an already existing stimulus is removed to decrease the likelihood of a behavior, is known as "negative punishment." Negative punishment is a behavior modification technique that involves the removal of a desirable stimulus or something valued by the individual as a consequence of an undesired behavior. This is done with the intention of decreasing the occurrence of that undesired behavior in the future.

The statement is false. Removal of something unpleasant is negative reinforcement, not the removal of something pleasant. Negative reinforcement involves the removal or avoidance of an aversive or unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, involves the addition of something pleasant or rewarding to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.