Topic Test Answers

Which learning process occurs when organisms are able to distinguish between various similar stimuli and respond only to certain ones?

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?

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?

If a behavior tends to increase after a consequence occurs, that consequence is most likely used as __________.

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?

Compare classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Which of the following represents the initial stage of learning in the process of conditioning?

Describe the experiment in which Ivan Pavlov first confirmed the existence of classical conditioning.

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?

What is the outcome when an innate behavior is repeated and practiced?

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.

Which of the following would not be classified as innate behavior?

Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.Justine is bothering her parents while they are shopping at the store. They buy her a toy in order to calm her down.Which type of conditioning is shaping Justine’s behavior?

Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.A family counselor tells Jacob and Samantha that they should ignore their daughter’s temper tantrums if they want her to stop because giving her attention is only increasing her behavior.Which type of operant conditioning in being recommended to the parents?

Which of the following is considered a naturally occurring behavior that does not have to be learned?

Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows. Molly and Mark are new parents. Their daughter Alvina often cries when she is uncomfortable. Each time Alvina cries, her parents give her a stuffed rabbit. Eventually, Alvina looks at the rabbit and cries because she associates the rabbit with being uncomfortable. What is the conditioned stimulus (CS) in this scenario?