Chapter 12

Question 1

Avoidance Contingency

Answer 1

A contingency in which a response prevents or postpones the presentation of a stimulus.

Question 2

Conditioned Negative Reinforcer

Answer 2

A previously neutral stimulus change that functions as a negative reinforcer because of prior pairing with one or more negative reinforcers.

Question 3

Discriminated Avoidance

Answer 3

A contingency in which responding in the presence of a signal prevents the onset of a stimulus from which escape is a reinforcer.

Question 4

Escape Contingency

Answer 4

A contingency in which a response terminates (produces escape from) an ongoing stimulus.

Question 5

Free-Operant Avoidance

Answer 5

Any operant behavior that results in minimal displacement of the participant in time and space. A free operant can be emitted at nearly any time; it is discrete, it requires minimal time for completion, and it can produce a wide range of response rates.

Question 6

Negative Reinforcement

Answer 6

A stimulus whose termination (or reduction in intensity) functions as reinforcement.

Question 7

Unconditioned Negative Reinforcer

Answer 7

A stimulus that functions as a negative reinforcer as a result of the evolutionary development of the species (phylogeny); no prior learning is involved (e.g., shock, loud noise, intense light, extreme temperatures, strong pressure against the body).