Psychology Chapter on Reinforcement Schedules

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What characterizes variable ratio reinforcement?

Reinforcer is delivered after a set period of time.

Reinforcement is based solely on observable behavior.

Reinforcement timing varies unpredictably across responses. (correct)

Reinforcement is given after a fixed number of responses.

What is an example of fixed interval reinforcement?

Winning a prize every ten attempts at a game.

A child whining intermittently for candy.

Getting paid every week.

A student visiting the library before exams. (correct)

Which schedule of reinforcement produces a scallop-shaped pattern of responding?

Variable ratio reinforcement.

Variable interval reinforcement.

Fixed interval reinforcement. (correct)

Continuous reinforcement.

In Bandura's social learning theory, which component is essential for retention?

Attention. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following limitations is noted in early behaviorist learning theories?

They do not account for emotional influences on behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of positive punishment on behavior?

It decreases the likelihood of a behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus?

Negative Reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

What does continuous reinforcement mean in operant conditioning?

Responses are always reinforced. Signup and view all the answers

How does shaping work in operant conditioning?

By reinforcing increasingly similar behaviors to the desired response. Signup and view all the answers

A fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule is characterized by which of the following?

Reinforcement is given after a specific number of responses. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during extinction in operant conditioning?

A previously reinforced behavior decreases in frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of negative punishment?

The removal of a pleasant stimulus reduces the frequency of a behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of intermittent reinforcement?

Responses are sometimes reinforced and sometimes not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of the classical conditioning process?

A neutral stimulus acquires the ability to elicit a conditioned response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the process of extinction in classical conditioning?

The diminishing of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is higher order conditioning in classical conditioning?

When a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus through association with an established conditioned stimulus Signup and view all the answers

In the context of stimulus generalization, what does it mean when a dog salivates to any bell sound?

The dog is displaying stimulus generalization Signup and view all the answers

What principle explains why Little Albert developed a fear of white and furry objects?

Higher order conditioning due to the loud noise Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reinforcement encourages a behavior to occur more frequently by providing a favorable consequence?

Positive reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

Which schedule of reinforcement leads to a high rate of response that is resistant to extinction?

Variable ratio schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring?

By adding an aversive stimulus or removing a pleasant one Signup and view all the answers