Psychology of Learning

Front

To Psychologists, learning is?

Back

A long term change in behavior that is based on experience

Answer explanation

To psychologists, learning is defined as a long-term change in behavior based on experience. This emphasizes the importance of experience in shaping behavior, unlike the other options which do not capture this core concept.

Front

When Samuel hears the sound of his alarm clock in the morning, it prompts him to wake up. What is the sound of the alarm clock an example of?

Back

Stimulus

Answer explanation

A stimulus is any event or situation that triggers a response. In psychology, it refers to anything that can provoke a reaction, making 'stimulus' the correct answer.

Front

What is a type of learning in which we link two or more stimuli?

Back

Classical conditioning

Answer explanation

Classical conditioning is a learning process where two or more stimuli are linked, leading to a response. This is exemplified by Pavlov's experiments with dogs, where a bell (stimulus) was paired with food (stimulus) to elicit salivation.

Front

Isla noticed that when she cleaned her room, her parents praised her and gave her a small reward. What type of behavior is Isla demonstrating by cleaning her room to receive praise and rewards?

Back

Operant behavior

Answer explanation

Operant behavior refers to actions that operate on the environment, leading to consequences. This concept is central to behaviorism, where behaviors are modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Front

Pavlov's dog salivating experiment is an example of what type of conditioning?

Back

Classical

Answer explanation

Pavlov's dog salivating experiment demonstrates classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (bell) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (food), leading to a conditioned response (salivation).

Front

Skinner's Pigeon or rat box experiments are an example of what type of conditioning?

Back

Operant

Answer explanation

Skinner's experiments with pigeons and rats demonstrate operant conditioning, where behaviors are modified through reinforcement or punishment, unlike classical conditioning which involves associating stimuli.

Front

A lion in a circus learns to stand up on a chair and jump through a hoop to receive a food treat. What type of learning is this? Options: classical, operant, observational

Back

operant

Answer explanation

The lion's actions of standing on a chair and jumping through a hoop to receive a food treat are examples of operant conditioning, where behaviors are modified by rewards. Thus, the correct answer is operant.

Front

What type of conditioning is demonstrated when a person jumps back automatically after hearing the flush of a toilet, before the water temperature changes? Options: Classical, Operant, observational

Back

Classical

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates classical conditioning, where the flush (neutral stimulus) becomes associated with the hot water (unconditioned stimulus), leading to an automatic response (jumping back) before the temperature change occurs.

Front

Which of the following is an unconditioned response?
Options:
clapping after a great concert performance
getting money as payment
running through a maze to get a reward
sweating in hot weather

Back

sweating in hot weather

Answer explanation

An unconditioned response is a natural reaction to a stimulus. Sweating in hot weather is an automatic physiological response to heat, while the other options involve learned behaviors or responses to specific stimuli.

Front

What is the unconditioned stimulus for the fish when John turns on the light to his aquarium?

Back

the food

Answer explanation

The unconditioned stimulus for the fish is the food. The fish naturally respond to food by swimming to the top, indicating that the sight of food triggers their instinctive behavior, regardless of the light or John.