Top important MCQS on Operant Conditioning

MCQS on Operant Conditioning

1. Which type of reinforcement schedule produces the highest rate of responding and is most resistant to extinction? 

   - A) Fixed Ratio (FR) 

   - B) Fixed Interval (FI) 

   - C) Variable Ratio (VR) 

   - D) Variable Interval (VI) 

   Answer: C) Variable Ratio (VR)

 

2. According to B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory, which of the following terms refers to an event or stimulus that, when removed after a behavior, increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated? 

   - A) Positive Reinforcement 

   - B) Negative Reinforcement 

   - C) Punishment 

   - D) Extinction 

   Answer: B) Negative Reinforcement

 

3. In operant conditioning, a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring is known as: 

   - A) Positive Reinforcement 

   - B) Negative Reinforcement 

   - C) Punishment 

   - D) Shaping 

   Answer: C) Punishment

 

4. A rat is conditioned to press a lever to receive food, but over time the food is no longer provided. The rat’s pressing behavior gradually decreases. This is an example of: 

   - A) Extinction 

   - B) Generalization 

   - C) Discrimination 

   - D) Shaping 

   Answer: A) Extinction

 

5. Which of the following best describes a "Fixed Interval" reinforcement schedule? 

   - A) Reinforcement is given after a set number of responses. 

   - B) Reinforcement is given for the first response after a specific period of time has passed. 

   - C) Reinforcement is given after a varying number of responses. 

   - D) Reinforcement is given for the first response after varying periods of time. 

   Answer: B) Reinforcement is given for the first response after a specific period of time has passed.

 

6. In operant conditioning, what is "shaping"? 

   - A) Reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior 

   - B) Applying punishment to reduce undesired behaviors 

   - C) Using reinforcement after a fixed interval 

   - D) Utilizing conditioned stimuli to elicit desired responses 

   Answer: A) Reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior

 

7. In which of the following cases would "escape learning" occur? 

   - A) An animal learns to avoid an unpleasant stimulus altogether. 

   - B) An animal learns to perform a behavior to stop an ongoing unpleasant stimulus. 

   - C) An animal is conditioned to respond to a fixed-interval schedule. 

   - D) An animal learns to generalize its response to similar stimuli. 

   Answer: B) An animal learns to perform a behavior to stop an ongoing unpleasant stimulus.

 

8. A child receives a piece of candy every time they clean up their room. This is an example of: 

   - A) Variable Ratio Reinforcement 

   - B) Fixed Interval Reinforcement 

   - C) Continuous Reinforcement 

   - D) Variable Interval Reinforcement 

   Answer: C) Continuous Reinforcement

 

9. Which of the following is true regarding the difference between "negative reinforcement" and "punishment"? 

   - A) Negative reinforcement decreases behavior, while punishment increases it. 

   - B) Negative reinforcement increases behavior, while punishment decreases it. 

   - C) Both negative reinforcement and punishment decrease behavior. 

   - D) Both negative reinforcement and punishment increase behavior. 

   Answer: B) Negative reinforcement increases behavior, while punishment decreases it.

 

10. What concept best explains why a person continues to play a slot machine even after losing money repeatedly? 

    - A) Positive Reinforcement 

    - B) Variable Ratio Schedule 

    - C) Fixed Interval Schedule 

    - D) Continuous Reinforcement 

    Answer: B) Variable Ratio Schedule