Multiple Choice
In operant conditioning, which process involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior to teach complex actions?
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6. Learning
Operant Conditioning
Multiple Choice
In the context of operant conditioning, which of the following statements about extinction is most accurate?
A
Extinction only works if the behavior is reinforced intermittently.
B
Extinction is most effective when it is consistently applied without reinforcement of the unwanted behavior.
C
Extinction increases the frequency of the unwanted behavior over time.
D
The key to success with extinction is to combine it with punishment for faster results.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of extinction in operant conditioning. Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer reinforced, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time.
Step 2: Recognize that extinction is most effective when the reinforcement for the unwanted behavior is completely and consistently withheld, rather than intermittently.
Step 3: Note that intermittent reinforcement can make extinction more difficult because the behavior has been reinforced unpredictably, which can cause the behavior to persist longer before it decreases.
Step 4: Understand that extinction does not inherently increase the frequency of the unwanted behavior over time; however, an initial increase called an extinction burst may occur before the behavior decreases.
Step 5: Realize that combining extinction with punishment is not necessary for extinction to be effective, and relying on punishment can introduce other complications; consistent non-reinforcement alone is the key to successful extinction.
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