Social & Behavioral Learning Theories

__________ is defined as a change in an individual caused by experience.

Answer explanation

Learning is a change in knowledge based on experiences. Changes caused by development, as well as characteristics we are born with, do not qualify as learning.

Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner developed important behavioral theories that can be applied in the classroom.

• True

• False

In Pavlov's experiments, an automatic response that occurs without any prior training is a(n) ________.

• operant condition

• unconditioned response

• neutral stimulus

• observation

If an individual's behavior is immediately followed by pleasurable consequences, the individual will engage in that behavior _________.

• less often

• more frequently

• never again

• the same amount

_________ conditioning is the use of pleasant and unpleasant consequences to change behavior; _________ conditioning is pairing a conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to create a conditioned response.

Food, water, security and warmth are some examples of secondary reinforcers.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

These are examples of primary reinforcers. Secondary reinforcers acquire value by being associated with primary reinforcers. Some examples would be access to toys or games, or money, stars or points that can be exchanged for other reinforcers.

Positive and negative reinforcers _________ behaviors, whereas punishment is used to _________ behaviors.

Give an example of using positive reinforcement in the classroom.

You should try all possible reinforcement strategies before considering using punishment.

• True

• False

_________ are examples of practical reinforcers teachers can use in the classroom.

• Praise and attention

• Grades and recognition

• Privileges and activity reinforcers

• Tangible reinforcers like toys or stickers

• All of the above