Topic Test Answers

Which of the following events may introduce changes in behavior that can be attributed to learning?A.hungerB.illnessC.pubertyD.eating

Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.William is taking part in an experiment. William is instructed to tickle his own nose, and as a result, he is about to sneeze. Before he sneezes, a research assistant shines a light in his eyes. After many repetitions of this behavior, when the research assistant shines a light in his eyes, William feels like he has to sneeze.What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in this scenario?A.William tickling his own noseB.William sneezing C.the lightD.the researcher’s presence

Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.Fred is playing the slot machines. After a certain number of plays, he wins a few coins, but Fred is unable to determine how many plays he needs to win. Which of the following statements is true?A.Fred is on a fixed-interval schedule of reinforcement.B.Fred is on a variable-interval schedule of reinforcement.C.Fred is on a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement.D.Fred is on a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement.

If a behavior tends to increase after a consequence occurs, that consequence is most likely used as __________.A.reinforcementB.punishmentC.extinctionD.aversive stimuli

Using operant conditioning, B. F. Skinner showed that animals could be trained to perform complex tasks.

Which of the following processes of operant conditioning involves the gradual disappearance of a behavior?A.extinctionB.acquisitionC.shapingD.discrimination

Which learning process occurs when organisms are able to distinguish between various similar stimuli and respond only to certain ones?A.acquisitionB.discriminationC.extinctionD.generalization

Learning can cause negative behaviors.

Compare classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Which of the following represents the initial stage of learning in the process of conditioning?A.acquisitionB.generalizationC.discriminationD.stimulus contiguity

Which of the following would not be classified as innate behavior?A.a baby smiling as she sees her brother walking in the doorB.humans crawling once their bones and ligaments are strong enoughC.sneezing as a result of a dog allergyD.learning to ride a bike at the age of 5

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. At the beginning of the training, Glen throws the ball and yells “Fetch,” but Thor only watches Glen expectantly.Which of the following is the most likely reason to explain why Thor does not fetch the ball?A.Fetching is a behavior that Thor is not intelligent enough to comprehend.B.Fetching is a complex behavior that has not been shaped by Glen.C.Fetching is simple behavior, but Thor is generalizing the stimuli.D.Fetching is a behavior that Glen must demonstrate to Thor by example.

What is the outcome when an innate behavior is repeated and practiced?A.The behavior is unaffected by the practice.B.The behavior becomes more skillful.C.The behavior ceases to be an innate behavior.D.The behavior develops into a reflex.

Emotional responses are innate behaviors that are not influenced by the environment.

Classical conditioning has an effect only when the subject is not aware it is occurring.