Understanding Skinner's Operant Conditioning

What is operant conditioning?

• A type of learning where behaviour is controlled by consequences.

• A type of learning where behaviour is controlled by stimuli.

• A type of learning where behaviour is controlled by observation.

• A type of learning where behaviour is controlled by imitation.

Who is considered the father of operant conditioning?

• Sigmund Freud

• Ivan Pavlov

• B.F. Skinner

• Albert Bandura

Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement?

• Taking away a toy when a child misbehaves.

• Giving a child a sweet for completing their homework.

• Scolding a child for not cleaning their room.

• Ignoring a child when they throw a tantrum.

What is negative reinforcement?

• Adding something unpleasant to decrease a behaviour.

• Removing something unpleasant to increase a behaviour.

• Adding something pleasant to increase a behaviour.

• Removing something pleasant to decrease a behaviour.

Which of the following is an example of punishment in operant conditioning?

• Giving a child extra playtime for good behaviour.

• Taking away a child's video game for not doing chores.

• Ignoring a child when they are crying.

• Giving a child a sticker for good grades.

What is a primary reinforcer?

• A reinforcer that is learned and not naturally satisfying.

• A reinforcer that is naturally satisfying and does not need to be learned.

• A reinforcer that is used to punish behaviour.

• A reinforcer that is used to ignore behaviour.

How did B.F. Skinner study operant conditioning?

• By using a maze for rats.

• By using a puzzle box for cats.

• By using a Skinner box for animals.

• By using a mirror for monkeys.

What is shaping in operant conditioning?

• Teaching a behaviour by rewarding successive approximations.

• Teaching a behaviour by punishing incorrect responses.

• Teaching a behaviour by observing others.

• Teaching a behaviour by ignoring mistakes.

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

• Food

• Water

• Money

• Sleep

What is extinction in operant conditioning?

• The increase of a behaviour when reinforcement is removed.

• The decrease of a behaviour when reinforcement is removed.

• The increase of a behaviour when punishment is applied.

• The decrease of a behaviour when punishment is applied.