Test: Learning - 1 - MCAT MCQ

In classical conditioning, the conditioned stimulus is a previously neutral stimulus that, through repeated association with an unconditioned stimulus (in this case, the mood-enhancing drug), comes to evoke a conditioned response. In the experiment, the sweetened soda initially has no inherent connection to the improvement of symptoms of depression. However, after being repeatedly paired with the mood-enhancing drug, the soda becomes associated with the positive effects and elicits the improved symptoms of depression on its own.

Therefore, the sweetened soda, which has acquired the ability to elicit the improved symptoms, serves as the conditioned stimulus in this experiment.

In classical conditioning, a conditioned response (CR) is a learned response that occurs as a result of pairing an originally neutral stimulus (conditioned stimulus, CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that naturally elicits a response. In this case, the time of 8:00 am initially served as a neutral stimulus, but through repeated pairing with the energizing effects of coffee (UCS), it became a conditioned stimulus that elicits the craving for coffee (CR).

In this scenario, the behavior of Jeff cleaning the dishes is followed by the removal or avoidance of something aversive (Kelly's nagging). Negative reinforcement involves the removal or avoidance of a negative stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior recurring in the future. In this case, Jeff's behavior of cleaning the dishes is negatively reinforced because it leads to the removal of the aversive stimulus (Kelly's nagging). As a result, Jeff is more likely to clean his dishes in the future to avoid the nagging.

Negative punishment (option A) involves the removal of a desirable stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring. Positive reinforcement (option C) involves the presentation of a desirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior recurring. Positive punishment (option D) involves the presentation of an aversive stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

Therefore, the scenario described is an example of negative reinforcement.

A variable ratio schedule of reinforcement would be the best choice for Dr. Soreth to achieve a high and steady rate of pecking behavior with minimal pauses between responses. In a variable ratio schedule, reinforcement is delivered after an unpredictable number of responses, but with an average or approximate ratio. This creates a high level of motivation and persistence in the pigeons because they do not know exactly when they will receive the treat, so they maintain a rapid and consistent pecking rate in the hope of obtaining reinforcement.

Fixed interval (option A) provides reinforcement after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last response, which can lead to a slower rate of behavior with a post-reinforcement pause. Fixed ratio (option B) provides reinforcement after a fixed number of responses, which can result in a high rate of responding but with predictable pauses after each reinforcement. Variable interval (option C) provides reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time has passed since the last response, which can lead to moderate and steady rates of behavior.

Therefore, a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement would be most effective for Dr. Soreth to achieve the desired high and steady rate of pecking behavior in her pigeons.

Tim's bonus arrangement, where he receives a monetary bonus after selling a fixed number of snowboards (every 15 snowboards), is an example of a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement. In a fixed ratio schedule, reinforcement is provided after a specific number of responses. In this case, Tim's behavior of selling snowboards is being reinforced after a fixed ratio of 15 sales.

This schedule tends to result in a high rate of behavior with short pauses or breaks immediately following the reinforcement. Tim is motivated to sell more snowboards in order to reach the fixed ratio and receive the bonus. Once he reaches the required number of sales, he receives the reinforcement (monetary bonus), which strengthens the association between his behavior (selling snowboards) and the reward.

Variable ratio (option A) provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, resulting in a high and steady rate of behavior. Variable interval (option B) provides reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time has passed since the last response, resulting in moderate and steady behavior. Fixed interval (option D) provides reinforcement after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last response, which leads to a moderate rate of behavior with pauses after reinforcement.

Therefore, Tim's bonus arrangement aligns with a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement.

In Lauren's study and reward pattern, where she gives herself a mini doughnut after studying for a fixed period of time (every 45 minutes), she is using a fixed interval schedule of reinforcement. In a fixed interval schedule, reinforcement is provided after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last response or behavior.

In this case, Lauren's behavior of studying is reinforced after a fixed interval of 45 minutes. After each 45-minute study session, she rewards herself with a mini doughnut. This schedule tends to result in a moderate rate of behavior with an increase in behavior closer to the end of the interval.

Variable ratio (option B) provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, resulting in a high and steady rate of behavior. Variable interval (option C) provides reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time has passed since the last response, resulting in a moderate and steady rate of behavior. Fixed ratio (option A) provides reinforcement after a fixed number of responses, leading to a high rate of behavior with short breaks after reinforcement.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. Fixed interval.

Dr. Soreth is using the principle of shaping in her training of the pigeon. Shaping is a technique in operant conditioning where behavior is gradually modified or shaped by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior. In this case, Dr. Soreth starts by reinforcing the pigeon for turning toward the green button, then for approaching the button, and finally for pecking the button. By reinforcing these smaller steps, she guides the pigeon's behavior towards the desired behavior of pecking the green button.

Extinction (option A) refers to the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a learned behavior when the reinforcement for that behavior is no longer provided. Exposure (option B) typically refers to the process of gradually introducing someone to a feared or anxiety-inducing stimulus to reduce their fear or anxiety. Discrimination (option C) refers to the ability to distinguish between different stimuli or situations and respond differently to each.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. Shaping.

To extinguish a response using principles of operant conditioning, the most effective strategy is to withhold all reinforcement after responses to the stimulus. Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior no longer receives reinforcement, leading to a decrease in the frequency and eventual elimination of the behavior.

Option A, presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus, is more related to classical conditioning rather than operant conditioning. Option C, keeping the subject from being exposed to the stimulus for an extended time, does not involve the process of extinction. Option D, presenting the unconditioned stimulus without the conditioned stimulus, is not directly applicable to the concept of extinction in operant conditioning.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. Withhold all reinforcement after responses to the stimulus.

1. A fixed action pattern is an automatic response.
2. Fixed action patterns are not learned behaviors.
3. Fixed action patterns are considered “hard wired” or innate.

The changes in Stuart's phobia, where he now shows a phobic response not just to ducks but to other birds as well, especially ones that can swim, are an example of stimulus generalization. In classical conditioning, stimulus generalization occurs when a conditioned response is elicited not only by the conditioned stimulus but also by similar stimuli that resemble the original conditioned stimulus. In this case, Stuart's phobia response has generalized to other birds that share similar characteristics with ducks, such as the ability to swim.

Option A, stimulus discrimination, refers to the ability to differentiate between a conditioned stimulus and other similar stimuli, leading to a specific response to the conditioned stimulus. Option B, shaped response, refers to the process of reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. Option D, unconditioned response, refers to the automatic and unlearned response that occurs naturally in response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Stimulus generalization.