Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows. Glen is attempting to use operant conditioning to train his dog, Thor, to fetch a ball upon command. Once, when Thor goes to fetch the ball, he instead brings Glen a pinecone. Which operant conditioning process is Thor displaying?
Compare classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are both similar in that they deal with the reinforcement of behavior. Even so, they use different models to do so. In classical conditioning, when a stimulus is used to provoke or elicit a response it didn’t previously or naturally do before. As a result, a new behavior is learned. Classical conditioning is associated most with involuntary biological responses whereas in operant conditioning, the consequence that occurs a result of one’s behavior is what determines whether or not the behavior the behavior occurs again. So the consequence shapes one’s responses. Operant conditioning is often associated with voluntary behaviors that are learned.
When describing the effectiveness of different types of reinforcers, why is money different from food?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: In operant conditioning, food is considered a primary reinforcer because it is a biological need that reinforces behavior naturally. Eating satisfies a need for hunger so food is automatically reinforcing. In other words, the need to satisfy one’s hunger motivates behavior naturally. Money, on the other hand, is a secondary reinforcer because the value of money must be learned and associated with a primary reinforcer such as a need to achieve or succeed. Once the value of money is learned, it can be a very effective method of reinforcement.
Describe the mechanism of a typical operant chamber.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: An operant chamber is carefully designed to emit a number of consequences from the behaviors of the animals contained within. The subjects can interact with a variety of inputs, usually including at least a lever and one discriminative stimulus. The chamber may be able to emit sounds, visual stimuli such as lights, or even smells. If the subject in the operant chamber emits the targeted behavior, the operant chamber can be set to automatically dispense food to the subject. Many operant chambers also include a punishment consequence in the form of electric shocks.
It would be most accurate to describe B. F. Skinner as a __________ psychologist.
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