Operant Conditioning Module 3.8a

What is operant conditioning?

• A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences

• A method of learning through observation

• A process of learning through imitation

• A form of learning based on memory recall

Answer explanation

Operant conditioning is a learning process where behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them, such as rewards or punishments, making the first choice the correct answer.

Who is associated with the concept of operant behavior?

• Sigmund Freud

• B.F. Skinner

• Carl Jung

• Ivan Pavlov

Answer explanation

B.F. Skinner is the psychologist associated with operant behavior, which focuses on how consequences shape behavior. Unlike Freud, Jung, and Pavlov, Skinner emphasized reinforcement and punishment in learning.

What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

• Positive reinforcement adds a stimulus, negative reinforcement removes one

• Positive reinforcement removes a stimulus, negative reinforcement adds one

• Both add a stimulus

• Both remove a stimulus

Answer explanation

Positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus to also increase a behavior. Thus, the correct choice is that positive reinforcement adds a stimulus, negative reinforcement removes one.

How do different reinforcement schedules affect behavior?

• They have no effect on behavior

• They can increase or decrease the frequency of behavior

• They only decrease behavior

• They only increase behavior

Answer explanation

Different reinforcement schedules can either increase or decrease the frequency of behavior. For example, variable schedules may lead to higher rates of response, while fixed schedules can stabilize behavior patterns.

What is the difference between punishment and negative reinforcement?

• Punishment decreases behavior, negative reinforcement increases behavior

• Both increase behavior

• Both decrease behavior

• Punishment increases behavior, negative reinforcement decreases behavior

Answer explanation

Punishment aims to decrease unwanted behavior by applying a negative consequence, while negative reinforcement increases desired behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. Thus, the correct choice is that punishment decreases behavior, and negative reinforcement increases behavior.

Why did Skinner’s ideas provoke controversy?

• They were based on untested theories

• They challenged traditional views on free will and human behavior

• They were universally accepted without question

• They focused solely on animal behavior

Answer explanation

Skinner's ideas provoked controversy because they challenged traditional views on free will and human behavior, suggesting that behavior is shaped by environmental factors rather than individual choice.

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

• Classical conditioning involves voluntary behavior, while operant conditioning involves involuntary behavior.

• Classical conditioning involves respondent behavior, while operant conditioning involves operant behavior.

• Classical conditioning increases behavior with punishment, while operant conditioning decreases behavior with reinforcement.

• Classical conditioning operates on the environment, while operant conditioning does not.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that classical conditioning involves respondent behavior (automatic responses to stimuli), while operant conditioning involves operant behavior (voluntary actions influenced by consequences).

In operant conditioning, what happens to behaviors when reinforcement follows?

• Behaviors decrease.

• Behaviors remain unchanged.

• Behaviors increase.

• Behaviors become involuntary.

Answer explanation

In operant conditioning, when reinforcement follows a behavior, it increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. Therefore, the correct answer is that behaviors increase.

What type of responses are involved in classical conditioning?

• Voluntary, deliberate responses.

• Involuntary, automatic responses.

• Learned, conscious responses.

• Spontaneous, random responses.

Answer explanation

Classical conditioning involves involuntary, automatic responses that occur as a result of associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a conditioned response without conscious control.

What is the Law of Effect according to Thorndike?

• Behaviors followed by favorable consequences become less likely.

• Behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become more likely.

• Behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely.

• Behaviors are not influenced by consequences.

Answer explanation

The Law of Effect, proposed by Thorndike, states that behaviors followed by favorable consequences are more likely to be repeated. Thus, the correct choice is that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely.