1. Thinking About Psychology, Second Edition Module 20: Operant Conditioning iClicker Questions
Charles T. Blair-Broeker
Randal M. Ernst
Questions Written by Kent Korek, Germantown High School

2. 1. Operant conditioning is:
a. a type of learning in which the frequency of responding depends on consequences.
b. a way to describe certain thoughts or cognitions about operations, like problem-solving.
c. conditioning that involves pairing unconditioned and conditioned stimuli.
d. learning by observing the operations of other people.
The correct answer is: a. a type of learning in which the frequency of responding depends on consequences.

3. 2. The primary basis behind operant conditioning is Edward Thorndike’s:
a. partial reinforcement.
b. latent learning.
c. law of effect.
d. cognitive map.
The correct answer is: c. law of effect.

4. 3. Reinforcement is defined as:
a. any consequence that decreases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.
b. any consequence that increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.
c. any stimuli an organism thinks is favorable or pleasurable.
d. verbal praise provided after an action.
The correct answer is: b. any consequence that increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.

5. 4. The best example of secondary reinforcement is:
a. money.
b. food.
c. water.
d. attention.
The correct answer is: a. money.

6. 5. Sophia stays out too late dancing, and her parents want to punish her so she won’t stay out too late next time. Which of the following actions would most likely be considered a punishment by operant conditioning theorists?
a. praising Sophia every time she comes in before her curfew.
b. giving Sophia three dollars every time she comes in on time for the next month.
c. going out to dinner and discussing changes in family rules about curfew.
d. taking away Sophia’s car privileges for a month.
The correct answer is: d. taking away Sophia’s car privileges for a month

7. 6. Shaping involves:
a. explaining a behavior carefully many times until a person gradually begins to understand it.
b. only classical conditioning, not operant conditioning.
c. positively reinforcing behaviors that move closer and closer to a target behavior.
d. punishing an organism for each wrong response until the organism learns a desired response.
The correct answer is: c. positively reinforcing behaviors that move closer and closer to a target behavior.

8. b. negative reinforcement. c. shaping. d. spontaneous recovery.
7. David’s parents give him $20 every time he gets an A in a class. When he moves away to college, his parents stop giving him this money for his grades, and he doesn’t get A’s any more. Which of the following concepts best explains why David stops getting A’s?
a. extinction.
b. negative reinforcement.
c. shaping.
d. spontaneous recovery.
The correct answer is: a. extinction

9. 8. If every correct response is reinforced, _____ is being used.
a. continuous reinforcement.
b. operant conditioning.
c. partial reinforcement.
d. positive reinforcement.
The correct answer is: a. continuous reinforcement

10. 9. Jennifer edits manuscripts for a publisher and is paid $5 for every three pages she edits. Jennifer is reinforced on a ______ schedule.
a. fixed-interval
b. fixed-ratio
c. variable-interval
d. variable-ratio
The correct answer is: b. fixed-ratio

11. a. partial reinforcement. b. cognitive map. c. spontaneous recovery.
10. Kelly initially loved to read. When she was in third grade the local amusement park started a program where students could earn free passes to the park by reading. The program ended when Kelly reached the seventh grade. Once the reward was gone, Kelly significantly reduced her reading. This is an example of:
a. partial reinforcement.
b. cognitive map.
c. spontaneous recovery.
d. overjustification effect.
The correct answer is: d. overjustification effect.

12. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Bob does the dishes in order to avoid his mother nagging
Negative reinforcement – mother stops nagging is negative reinforcer

13. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
A little boy receives $5.00 for every A he earns on his report card
Positive reinforcement - $5.00 is the positive reinforcer

14. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Rubbing itchy eyes or scratching an insect bite
Negative reinforcement – elimination of the the itching is the negative reinforcer

15. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Bobby is removed from class and sent to the principles office for misbehaving in class. Bobby misbehaves the next day.
Negative reinforcement – removal from class is the negative reinforcer
What if Bobby liked school and being in class? Would be negative punishment if Bobby liked being in class.

16. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
A parent takes away a new toy from siblings who are fighting over who gets to play with it first.
Negative punishment

17. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Driver puts key in ignition and buzzer goes off. Buzzer stops when he puts on his seatbelt.
Negative reinforcement – buzzer ending is negative reinforcement

18. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Taking aspirin to relieve a headache
Negative reinforcement – elimination of the headach is negative the reinforcer

19. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Clara is suspended for three days from school for swearing at a teacher.
Under what conditions is this negative reinforcement? Negative reinforcement if Clara hates school
Under what conditions is this negative punishment? Negative punishment if Clara likes being in school.

20. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
You get a speeding ticket for going 65 mph in a 50 mph zone.
Positive punishment

21. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Dolphin trainer walks away with the fish bucket when the dolphin gets aggressive.
Negative reinforcement

22. Positive Reinforcement/Negative Reinforcement/Positive Punishment/Negative Punishment
Burning your hand when you touch a hot stove.
Positive punishment