Operant Conditioning Quiz

Who is known for his studies of baby chicks and cats, which were the first systematic investigations of animal learning?

• John B. Watson

• Ivan Pavlov

• Edward Thorndike

• B.F. Skinner

Which behaviorist believed that psychologists should focus on observable behaviors that could be objectively measured and verified?

• John B. Watson

• Edward Thorndike

• Ivan Pavlov

• B.F. Skinner

What is the term used to describe active behaviors that operate upon the environment to generate consequences?

• Classical conditioning

• Voluntary actions

• Operant conditioning

• Reflexive behaviors

In operant conditioning, behavior is shaped and maintained by consequences that ________ a response.

• Precede

• Enhance

• Follow

• Inhibit

What is the term used to describe a situation in which a behavior or response is followed by the addition of a reinforcing stimulus?

• Negative punishment

• Positive punishment

• Negative reinforcement

• Positive reinforcement

Which reinforcement schedule occurs after a predetermined set of responses?

• Variable interval

• Fixed interval

• Variable ratio

• Fixed ratio

What is the term used to describe the application or adding of an aversive stimulus after a response?

• Positive reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement

• Positive punishment

• Negative punishment

What is one of the drawbacks of punishment?

• Creates a sense of learned helplessness

• Focuses on the behavior rather than the character of the offender

• Increases the likelihood of aggression

• Produces a permanent change in behavior

Who formulated the principles of operant conditioning?

• Edward Thorndike

• John B. Watson

• Ivan Pavlov

• B.F. Skinner

What is the main difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning?

• Classical conditioning focuses on voluntary responses, while operant conditioning focuses on involuntary responses

• Classical conditioning uses rewards and punishments, while operant conditioning does not

• Classical conditioning involves new behaviors, while operant conditioning focuses on existing reflexive behaviors

• Classical conditioning uses stimuli that follow a response, while operant conditioning uses stimuli that precede a response