#1
What is the primary goal of reinforcement?
To maintain a behavior
ExplanationReinforcement aims to sustain and strengthen a desired behavior.
#2
Which type of reinforcement involves the addition of something desirable to increase a behavior?
Positive reinforcement
ExplanationPositive reinforcement entails adding a favorable stimulus to boost a behavior.
#3
Which psychologist is credited with the development of operant conditioning?
B.F. Skinner
ExplanationB.F. Skinner is credited with the development of operant conditioning.
#4
Which of the following is an example of punishment?
Taking away a teenager's phone for breaking curfew
ExplanationTaking away a teenager's phone for breaking curfew is an example of punishment.
#5
Which reinforcement schedule involves reinforcing a behavior after a fixed number of responses?
Fixed-ratio schedule
ExplanationFixed-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a set number of responses.
#6
What is an example of positive punishment?
Taking away a teenager's phone for skipping school
ExplanationTaking away a teenager's phone for skipping school is an example of positive punishment.
#7
What is the term for the process of gradually reducing the frequency or strength of a behavior by withholding reinforcement?
Extinction
ExplanationExtinction involves diminishing a behavior by withholding reinforcement.
#8
In operant conditioning, what is a primary reinforcer?
A reinforcer that is naturally rewarding
ExplanationA primary reinforcer is inherently rewarding in operant conditioning.
#9
What term describes the process of reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior?
Shaping
ExplanationShaping involves reinforcing steps toward the target behavior.
#10
Which reinforcement schedule delivers reinforcement after a variable number of responses, with the number varying around an average?
Variable-ratio schedule
ExplanationVariable-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.
#11
In operant conditioning, what term refers to the weakening of a behavior through the removal of reinforcement or through the introduction of punishment?
Extinction
ExplanationExtinction weakens a behavior through the removal of reinforcement or introduction of punishment.
#12
What is the term for the process of gradually exposing an individual to a feared object or situation until the fear response is extinguished?
Systematic desensitization
ExplanationSystematic desensitization involves gradual exposure to reduce fear responses.
#13
What is an example of a secondary reinforcer?
Money
ExplanationMoney is an example of a secondary reinforcer, not inherently rewarding.
#14
What is the term for the phenomenon where a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer produces reinforcement and decreases in frequency?
Extinction
ExplanationExtinction occurs when a once-reinforced behavior diminishes in frequency.
#15
What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement adds a stimulus to increase behavior, while negative reinforcement removes a stimulus to increase behavior.
ExplanationPositive reinforcement adds, negative reinforcement removes stimuli to increase behavior.
#16
Which reinforcement schedule is most resistant to extinction?
Variable-ratio schedule
ExplanationVariable-ratio schedule is highly resistant to extinction.