What is the defining characteristic of operant conditioning? The defining characteristic is that behavior is controlled by its consequences.
What is the primary apparatus used in Skinner’s operant conditioning research? The primary apparatus is the Skinner box (or operant chamber).
What is the process of reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs called? It is called continuous reinforcement.
What is a reinforcement schedule where a behavior is reinforced after a set number of responses? This is a fixed-ratio schedule.
What is a reinforcement schedule where a behavior is reinforced after an unpredictable number of responses? This is a variable-ratio schedule.
What type of consequence is intended to decrease the likelihood of a behavior? Punishment is intended to decrease behavior.
What is the reappearance of an extinguished response after a rest period called? It is called spontaneous recovery.
What is the term for adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior? Positive Reinforcement.
How does a variable-ratio schedule produce high, steady response rates? Because reinforcement is unpredictable, the individual persists in the behavior, hoping the next response will be rewarded. This is resistant to extinction.
Why is punishment often considered a less effective long-term strategy than reinforcement? Punishment suppresses behavior but does not teach what the appropriate behavior is. It can also produce negative emotional side effects (fear, anxiety) and may lead to avoidance of the punisher.
How does positive reinforcement differ from negative reinforcement? Both increase behavior. Positive reinforcement does so by adding a pleasant stimulus. Negative reinforcement does so by removing an unpleasant stimulus.
What is the difference between acquisition and extinction in operant conditioning? Acquisition is the initial stage of learning where the response is established and strengthened. Extinction is the weakening and disappearance of the response when reinforcement is stopped.
Explain the concept of a “token economy.” A token economy is a behavior modification system where individuals earn tokens (secondary reinforcers) for desired behaviors, which can later be exchanged for primary reinforcers or privileges.
How can shaping be used to teach complex behaviors? Shaping breaks down a complex behavior into small, manageable steps and reinforces each successive approximation until the final, complex behavior is learned.
Why are intermittent reinforcement schedules more resistant to extinction than continuous reinforcement? With intermittent reinforcement, the individual learns that reinforcement may still come after non-reinforced responses, so they persist longer when reinforcement stops.
What is the role of discriminative stimuli in operant conditioning? A discriminative stimulus signals that a particular response is likely to be reinforced. It sets the occasion for the behavior.
How does biological predisposition constrain operant conditioning? Animals (including humans) are biologically prepared to learn some associations more easily than others. Instinctive drift can occur, where an animal’s natural instincts interfere with a conditioned operant behavior.
A slot machine pays out after an unpredictable number of pulls. This is a ________ schedule of reinforcement. Variable-ratio.
A factory worker is paid for every 10 widgets they assemble. This is a ________ schedule. Fixed-ratio.
Taking an aspirin to relieve a headache is maintained by ________. Negative Reinforcement (removal of pain).
A teacher gives a pop quiz every week, but on random days. Students study regularly because of this. The studying is maintained by a ________ schedule. Variable-interval (reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time).
To stop a dog from jumping on guests, the owner turns their back and ignores the dog when it jumps. This is an attempt to use ________. Extinction (withholding reinforcement for the jumping behavior).
A parent gives a child a time-out (removal from a fun activity) for hitting their sibling. This is an example of ________. Negative Punishment (removal of a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior).
A rat is being shaped to press a lever. Initially, it is rewarded for facing the lever, then for touching it, and finally only for pressing it down. This is ________. Shaping.
A person always buckles their seatbelt because the annoying buzzer stops when they do. The buckling behavior is maintained by ________. Negative Reinforcement.
