CramX Logo

Q
QuestionPsychology

Which of the following is an example of operant conditioning? A. Giving a dog a treat after he sits on command. B. Teaching a dog to drool at the sound of a bell. C. Baby Albert fearing a white rat.
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
I'll solve this psychology problem step by step, focusing on operant conditioning.

Step 2:
: Understanding Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is a learning method where behaviors are modified through consequences. Specifically, behaviors followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Step 3:
: Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each scenario: A. Giving a dog a treat after he sits on command - This involves a positive reinforcement - The dog's behavior (sitting) is rewarded with a treat - This DIRECTLY matches the definition of operant conditioning - The treat increases the likelihood of the dog sitting again in the future B. Teaching a dog to drool at the sound of a bell - This describes classical conditioning (Pavlov's experiment) - An involuntary response (salivation) is paired with a neutral stimulus (bell) - NOT an example of operant conditioning C. Baby Albert fearing a white rat - This is another example of classical conditioning - An emotional response (fear) is conditioned through association - NOT an example of operant conditioning

Step 4:
: Identifying the Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: Giving a dog a treat after he sits on command.

Final Answer

A (Giving a dog a treat after he sits on command) is an example of operant conditioning, specifically positive reinforcement.