Psychology Classical Conditioning Quiz

Questions and Answers

How is a conditioned response learned?

A conditioned response is learned by pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.

How are generalization and discrimination related to classical conditioning?

Generalization relates to responding to similar stimuli, while discrimination is the ability to respond differently to different stimuli.

Under what conditions might a conditioned response become extinct?

A conditioned response could become extinct if it is no longer a reliable predictor, which occurs over time when the stimulus is not encountered.

Did the results of Watson and Rayner's experiment support their hypothesis?

Yes, conditioning Little Albert to fear the white rat supported their hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

How did Albert's response become generalized?

Albert was conditioned to fear a white rat, which led him to fear other white, furry animals. Signup and view all the answers

How were the principles of classical conditioning used to reduce Peter's fear of rabbits?

Peter's fear of rabbits was reduced by pairing them with pleasant experiences like eating ice cream. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of reinforcement from your daily life. Explain whether it is positive or negative.

I get money for good grades, which is positive reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best example of secondary reinforcement? Why do you suppose this is?

The best example of secondary reinforcement is money, as it holds value through its association with obtaining desirable items. Signup and view all the answers

What are the schedules of reinforcement?

Fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, variable interval, and continuous reinforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a fixed ratio from your life?

I used to get $5 for every tooth I lost. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a variable ratio from your life?

Playing a softball game because I never know if I will win or lose. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a fixed interval from your life?

I get gas money at the end of every week. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a variable interval from your life?

Checking my school email because I never know when I will receive an email. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of continuous reinforcement in your life?

When I was little, I would get put in timeout every time I misbehaved. Signup and view all the answers

Why is partial reinforcement more effective than continuous?

Partial reinforcement is more effective because it holds more value and motivates repeated actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does extinction occur in operant conditioning?

Extinction occurs when a reinforcement no longer follows a behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What two methods can be used to learn a complex skill?

Shaping and chaining. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

Negative reinforcement increases behavior, while punishment decreases behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Is punishment completely effective? Why or why not?

No, punishment is not completely effective as its efficacy can diminish over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Conditioning

A conditioned response is developed by pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.
Generalization allows responses to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus; discrimination enables distinct responses to different stimuli.
A conditioned response may become extinct if it is no longer a reliable predictor of the outcome. Extinction occurs when the stimulus is no longer presented.

Little Albert Experiment

Watson and Rayner successfully conditioned Little Albert to fear a white rat by associating it with a loud noise, leading to a new fear of white animals.

Fear Reduction through Classical Conditioning

Peter's fear of rabbits was lessened by associating the rabbits with enjoyable experiences, such as eating ice cream or receiving special attention.

Reinforcement Concepts

Positive reinforcement is exemplified by receiving money for good grades, which motivates continued academic success.
Money serves as a primary example of secondary reinforcement due to its acquired value through societal interactions.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Various schedules include fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, variable interval, and continuous reinforcement.

Personal Examples of Reinforcement

Fixed ratio: Received $5 for each lost tooth.
Variable ratio: Uncertainty in winning while playing softball; every game outcome is unpredictable.
Fixed interval: Consistently given gas money at the end of each week.
Variable interval: Checking school email is unpredictable for receiving messages.
Continuous reinforcement: Punishment via timeout after misbehavior during childhood.

Partial vs. Continuous Reinforcement

Partial reinforcement is often more effective than continuous reinforcement, as it maintains greater value and encourages repetition of the behavior.

Extinction in Operant Conditioning

Extinction occurs when a behavior is no longer followed by reinforcement.

Learning Complex Skills

Shaping and chaining are two methods used to acquire complex skills.

Negative Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing an aversive stimulus, whereas punishment decreases behavior by applying an unpleasant consequence.

Effectiveness of Punishment

Punishment may not be completely effective long-term, as its impact can diminish as individuals age.

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Description

Test your understanding of classical conditioning concepts and experiments, including the famous Little Albert experiment. Explore how conditioned responses are formed, generalization and discrimination of stimuli, and reinforcement principles. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on fear reduction techniques as well.