PSY101 Module 6 - The Adaptive Mind Concept Quizzes

What indicates that imitation provides adaptive advantages? A. Imitation is frequently used in the animal world. B. Imitation is most effective for teaching aggression. C. Imitation is unique to the young, regardless of species. D. Imitation is unique to humans.

A. Imitation is frequently used in the animal world.

What is true of operant conditioning? A. It generally involves voluntary behaviors. B. It generally involves involuntary behaviors. C. It involves emotional behaviors. D. It involves tests based on intelligence.

A. It generally involves voluntary behaviors.

Which process below is defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience? A. Learning B. Variable action pattern C. Reflex D. Fixed action pattern

A. Learning

The formation of associations between two stimuli that occur sequentially in time is referred to as ____. A. classical conditioning B. observational conditioning C. operant conditioning D. associative conditioning

A. classical conditioning

Tim, who suffers from alcoholism, is prescribed disulfiram by his doctor to help him halt his alcohol consumption. Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant physiological effects when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. This type of treatment is best described as ____. A. counterconditioning B. inhibition C. systematic desensitization D. flooding

A. counterconditioning

All of us respond positively to token economies, but they are especially useful in ____ settings. A. educational and institutional B. manufacturing and construction C. creative D. dining

A. educational and institutional

Which of the following statements describes a belief of the early behaviorists? A. Human subjects are preferable to animals because they replicate the complexity of real life. B. Behavior follows the same general rules across species. C. Not all stimuli can be equally paired to form conditioned associations. D. Psychological research should focus on introspection.

B. Behavior follows the same general rules across species.

Why does associative learning provide an enormous survival advantage? A. Organisms are able to comprehend the complex relationship between environment and habitant. B. Organisms are able to predict the future and thus are given time to prepare for future events. C. Organisms are able to instinctively and rapidly respond to threats. D. Organisms are able to associate with one another to work together against natural enemies.

B. Organisms are able to predict the future and thus are given time to prepare for future events.

An environmental cue or event whose significance is learned is referred to as ____. A. an uncharacteristic stimulus B. a conditioned stimulus C. an unconditioned stimulus D. a characteristic stimulus

B. a conditioned stimulus

If people are continuously exposed to an unchanging stimulus that they know will not cause them harm, they will most likely ____. A. control their reflexes B. habituate to the stimulus C. form an association with the stimulus D. tolerate the stimulus

B. habituate to the stimulus

Learning that occurs in the absence of reinforcement is referred to as ____. A. higher-order conditioning B. latent learning C. endogenous cognition D. self enhancement

B. latent learning

What type of stimulus elicits a response without prior experience—that is, without learning having taken place? A. Classical B. Habitual C. Unconditioned D. Conditioned

C. Unconditioned

The process of associating a behavior with its consequences is known as ____. A. classical conditioning B. nonassociative learning C. operant conditioning D. habituative learning

C. operant conditioning

The reinforcement of a desired behavior on some occasions, but not others, is called ____ reinforcement. A. incomplete B. fragmented C. partial D. fractional

C. partial

Which of the following is an example of nonassociative learning? A. Hoping to understand more about her parent's culture, Parvati carefully watches as her grandmother prepares a traditional South Indian meal. B. As a child, Maxwell had a frightening experience with his neighbor's large dog. He now fears all large dogs. C. Gabriel tells his four-year-old daughter each night: "No dessert until you eat your dinner without complaining." To get the dessert, his daughter obeys. D. Andrea recently learned how to drive a car. At first she found merging into highway traffic very stressful, but now she can do it with ease.

D. Andrea recently learned how to drive a car. At first she found merging into highway traffic very stressful, but now she can do it with ease.

Why is observational learning advantageous? A. It decreases inhibition. B. It sharpens your eyesight. C. It is the best way to acquire learning. D. It allows you to learn without experiencing negative consequences.

D. It allows you to learn without experiencing negative consequences.

Why is the process of sensitization advantageous? A. It facilitates adaptation. B. It improves fixed action patterns. C. It improves cognition. D. It improves reaction time.

D. It improves reaction time.

What is observational learning? A. Learning based on reading B. Learning by listening to a story C. Learning by touching or otherwise experiencing something viscerally D. Learning by watching someone else

D. Learning by watching someone else

Based on the work of Richard Dawkins, the basic unit of cultural transmission is known as ____. A. a token B. an abstract gene C. a trifle D. a meme

D. a meme

Sara allows her dog, Isabel, to run freely at a local park. When a truck drives by and its engine backfires loudly, Isabel quickly jumps up on her hind legs and barks loudly. Isabel's response illustrates ____. A. sensitization B. an instinct C. operant conditioning D. a reflex

D. a reflex

Children are most likely to pattern their own behavior on the ____ of their parents. A. instructions B. punishment styles C. verbiage D. actions

D. actions

Thorndike and Skinner were in agreement about the relative weakness of ____ as a means of controlling behavior. A. negative reinforcement B. positive reinforcement C. rewards D. punishment

D. punishment

The reappearance of conditioned responses after periods of rest between sessions of extinction training is called ____. A. higher-order conditioning B. dominant presentation C. reacquisition D. spontaneous recovery

D. spontaneous recovery

Which condition does NOT have to be met for punishment to have observable effects on behavior? A. Delayed response B. Significance C. Immediacy D. Consistency

A. Delayed response

A modified cage containing levers or buttons that can be pressed or pecked by animals and is used to investigate operant conditioning is called a ____. A. Skinner box B. pigeon chamber C. sequential conditioning chamber D. puzzle box

A. Skinner box

What was a key implication of Garcia and Koelling's classic taste-aversion studies? A. The studies challenged Pavlov's views on the interchangeability of stimuli and brought up new information about different organisms' predispositions to learn things. B. The studies demonstrated the common traits of several species. C. The studies confirmed the applicability of classical conditioning in species other than canines. D. The studies demonstrated the relative interchangeability of stimuli.

A. The studies challenged Pavlov's views on the interchangeability of stimuli and brought up new information about different organisms' predispositions to learn things.

A schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement occurs after a set number of behaviors is called a ____ schedule. A. fixed ratio B. concrete ratio C. concrete interval D. fixed interval

A. fixed ratio

Peter's mother normally arrives home from work in a terrible mood, causing Peter extreme anxiety. However, when Peter sees that his mother is wearing sweatpants, Peter feels at ease, knowing that she has been home from work for a while. Peter's recognition that the sweatpants indicate that there is no reason to feel anxious illustrates ____. A. inhibition B. higher-order conditioning C. extinction D. latent inhibition

A. inhibition

When a conditioned stimulus can predict the nonoccurrence of an unconditioned stimulus, this is referred to as ____. A. inhibition B. latent inhibition C. extinction D. discrimination

A. inhibition

Richard Dawkins referred to the basic unit of cultural transmission as a _____. A. meme B. law C. moral D. custom

A. meme

Lucia, who experiences extreme anxiety when taking an exam, practices meditation breathing to reduce her anxiety before taking a test. Her meditation breathing is an example of ____. A. negative reinforcement B. positive reinforcement C. positive punishment D. negative punishment

A. negative reinforcement

Both Thorndike and Skinner agreed that ____ is a powerful tool for managing behavior. A. positive reinforcement B. negative reinforcement C. negative punishment D. positive punishment

A. positive reinforcement

Inevitable, involuntary responses to stimuli that are primarily controlled by circuits located in the spinal cord and brainstem are referred to as _____ A. reflexes B. habits C. instincts D. behaviors

A. reflexes

Bandura identified four necessary cognitive processes in the modeling of others' behavior: attention, _____, reproduction, and motivation. A. retention B. connection C. attraction D. repetition

A. retention

In humans, most reflexes are controlled by nervous system circuits located in the ____. A. spinal cord and brainstem B. fingertips C. back D. legs and arms

A. spinal cord and brainstem

According to Rescorla and Wagner, the association between a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus is strongest when the association is ____. A. surprising B. familiar C. consistent D. variable

A. surprising

What is a token economy? A. An economy that has been proven to be effective. B. An economy in which tokens take on value because they can be exchanged for valued goods C. An economy that is a model or template for other economies D. An economy that is a replacement for another economy

B. An economy in which tokens take on value because they can be exchanged for valued goods

What is a key distinction between classical conditioning and operant conditioning? A. In contrast to operant conditioning, classical conditioning leads to a relatively permanent behavioral change. B. Classical conditioning generally works best with involuntary, reflexive behaviors; operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors. C. Operant conditioning generally works best with involuntary, reflexive behaviors; classical conditioning involves voluntary behaviors. D. In contrast to classical conditioning, operant conditioning leads to a relatively permanent behavioral change.

B. Classical conditioning generally works best with involuntary, reflexive behaviors; operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors.

Tim would like to stop drinking alcohol, but he is finding it difficult to resist the urge to drink when he meets up with friends. Tim's therapist assures him that if he can resist the urge to drink during these social events, his cravings for alcohol will diminish even further, eventually fading away. What process is Tim's therapist describing? A. Spontaneous dissipation B. Extinction C. Avoidance D. Systematic desensitization

B. Extinction

In what process do mirror neurons play a key role? A. Habituation B. Imitation C. Imprinting D. Bonding

B. Imitation

What was a key finding of the Bobo doll experiment? A. Reprimanding the adult for her aggressive behavior slightly increased the children's aggressive behavior. B. Reprimanding the adult for her aggressive behavior slightly reduced the children's aggressive behavior. C. Reprimanding the adult for her aggressive behavior substantially reduced the children's aggressive behavior. D. Reprimanding the adult for her aggressive behavior did not affect the children's aggressive behavior.

B. Reprimanding the adult for her aggressive behavior slightly reduced the children's aggressive behavior.

Which of the following would decrease the likelihood of acquisition? A. The unconditioned stimulus evokes a negative response in the participant. B. The unconditioned stimulus is presented long after the conditioned stimulus. C. The conditioned stimulus evokes an emotional response in the participant. D. The unconditioned stimulus is presented shortly after the conditioned stimulus.

B. The unconditioned stimulus is presented long after the conditioned stimulus.

The development of a conditioned response is called ____. A. higher-order conditioning B. acquisition C. habituation D. generalization

B. acquisition

Eli is afraid of bees, and has been ever since he was nearly stung by one a few months ago. Lately, his father has been very distressed to see that Eli is now afraid of any flying insect, even tiny ones like gnats. The fact that Eli gets terribly afraid and runs to another room whenever he sees a flying bug demonstrates _____. A. discrimination B. generalization C. acquisition D. inhibition

B. generalization

Richard, who is 16 years old, misses his curfew and is grounded by his parents. He is not allowed to leave the house, see his friends, or use his cell phone for one week. His parent's actions illustrate ____. A. positive reinforcement B. negative punishment C. negative reinforcement D. positive punishment

B. negative punishment

Learning that involves changes in the magnitude of responses to a specific stimulus is referred to as ____ learning. This type of learning does not involve the formation of connections between stimuli. A. operant B. nonassociative C. associative D. observational

B. nonassociative

A consequence that eliminates or reduces the frequency of a behavior by applying an aversive stimulus is referred to as ____. A. negative punishment B. positive punishment C. negative reinforcement D. positive reinforcement

B. positive punishment

Based on his experiments with rats in mazes, Edward Tolman believed that ____. A. rats adhered to the familiar route even when it no longer led to food B. rats developed a cognitive map for where they could find food C. rats learned a route through the maze only when rewarded by finding food D. rats learned one specific route through the maze that enabled them to reach food

B. rats developed a cognitive map for where they could find food

After a devastating fire that destroyed her home, Lisbeth finds that she is startled by the sound of car horns and sirens, the smell of smoke, and loud noises. This is an example of ____. A. operant conditioning B. sensitization C. observational learning D. habituation

B. sensitization

Greg, who mainly smoked cigarettes when out with friends, recently quit smoking. However, each time he visits a bar or restaurant with his friends, he has the strong urge to light up a cigarette. This is an example of ____. A. latent inhibition B. spontaneous recovery C. observational learning D. habituation

B. spontaneous recovery

What distinguishes a reflex from an instinct? A. In contrast to a reflex, an instinct does not depend on prior experience. B. A behavior is a more complex behavior than an instinct. C. An instinct is a more complex behavior than a reflex. D. In contrast to an instinct, a reflex does not depend on prior experience.

C. An instinct is a more complex behavior than a reflex.

Which condition is characterized by a lack of back-and-forth imitation of gestures and facial expressions during infancy and deficits in empathy and social skills later in life? A. Down syndrome B. Bipolar disorder C. Autism D. Schizophrenia

C. Autism

A reaction to a given stimulus that is learned or acquired over time is referred to as ____. A. an uncharacteristic response B. an unconditioned response C. a conditioned response D. a characteristic response

C. a conditioned response

Keller and Marion Breland, two of B. F. Skinner's former students who used operant conditioning to train animals for entertainment, found that ____. A. animals really enjoyed being trained to do non-instinctive behaviors B. the more they worked with the animals, the better the animals performed on the tasks, regardless of instinctive behaviors C. animals tended to revert to instinctive behaviors even after they had acquired new (non-instinctive) behaviors D. animals could completely overwhelm their instincts with the new conditioned behaviors

C. animals tended to revert to instinctive behaviors even after they had acquired new (non-instinctive) behaviors

Ira has a problem wherein he tends to speak without thinking, and this has caused him to lose friends and damage relationships at work. To reduce the frequency of this behavior, Ira wears a rubber band that fits loosely around his wrist. Whenever he begins to speak without thinking, he snaps himself with the rubber band just hard enough to sting a little bit. This is an example of ______ therapy. A. systematic desensitizing B. insight C. aversion D. flooding

C. aversion

The imitation of ____ might serve as a building block on the road to achieving empathy. A. aggression B. positive punishment C. facial expressions D. humor

C. facial expressions

Thorndike's law of effect states that behavior is ____. A. based on a strong relationship between conditioned and unconditioned stimuli B. an adaptation based on imitation C. stamped into an animal relative to the consequences of the behavior D. predetermined by the type of organism

C. stamped into an animal relative to the consequences of the behavior

What is a disadvantage of continuous reinforcement? A. It is not effective compared with the effects of punishment. B. The individual cannot adapt the target behavior to new stimuli. C. The individual will eventually become desensitized to the target behavior. D. It is not convenient to do so for an extended time period.

D. It is not convenient to do so for an extended time period.

_____ is also known as social learning or modeling and occurs when one organism learns by watching the actions of another organism. A. Nonassociative learning B. Associative learning C. Classic conditioning D. Observational learning

D. Observational learning

As Katie hears a song on the radio, she feels stressed: her heart races, her hands become clammy, and her breathing becomes rapid. The song is familiar because it was very popular at a time when her parents were going through a divorce that caused Katie intense anxiety. In this scenario, identify the unconditioned stimulus. A. Anxiety toward song B. Song C. Anxiety toward parents fighting D. Parents fighting

D. Parents fighting

As Angel speeds down Elm Avenue, he suddenly slams on his brakes to avoid a collision with another car. Angel's response is an example of ____. A. a variable pattern response B. an instinct C. a reflex D. a learned behavior

D. a learned behavior

Jim and his father are watching the ball game on television. Jim's father starts to yawn and Jim soon follows. This is an example of ____. A. a reflex B. imitation C. associative learning D. an instinct

D. an instinct

One of the most dramatic applications of behavior therapy is the treatment for _____ pioneered by O. Ivar Lovaas. A. conditioning B. depression C. alcoholism D. autism spectrum disorder

D. autism spectrum disorder

Copying a behavior that is unlikely to occur naturally and spontaneously is referred to as ____. A. mirroring B. duplication C. imprinting D. imitation

D. imitation

Learning is traditionally divided into three categories: associative, nonassociative, and ____. A. conditioned B. classical C. operant D. observational

D. observational

Counterconditioning, in which people relax while being exposed to stimuli that elicit fear, is referred to as ____. A. habituation B. latent inhibition C. higher-order conditioning D. systematic desensitization

D. systematic desensitization