Learning Theory and C-B Interventions

Question 0

Name three therapeutic interventions based on classical conditioning.

Answer 0

1. Counterconditioning (pair stimulus that produces undesirable response with a stimulus that produces an incompatible response)
2. Reciprocal inhibition (CS that elicits fear is presented in the absence of the US that would elicit fear)
3. Aversive Counterconditioning, including covert sensitization (to inhibit the behavior that causes problems, by pairing the stimulus associated with it with an aversive stimulus)

Question 1

Describe the two steps in higher-order conditioning and the pairings of US with CS’s to achieve it.

Answer 1

1. Classical conditioning: CS is paired with a US until a CR is established. (US–CS1 , CS1=>CR)
2. Original CS is treated like a US and paired with a second neutral stimulus until it also elicits a CR. (CS1–CS2, CS2=>CR)

Question 2

Name the type of conditioning associated with these therapeutic terms: SUDS, response cost, shaping, relaxation, chaining.

Answer 2

SUDS=classical, response cost=operant, shaping=operant, relaxation=classical, chaining=operant.

Question 3

What is the major problem with using punishment in operant conditioning?

Answer 3

It creates aggression.

Question 4

How is extinction used in operant conditioning?

Answer 4

Removing reinforcement from a previously reinforced behavior tends to eliminate that behavior.

Question 5

What two techniques does differential reinforcement include?

Answer 5

Extinction for the undesirable behavior, and positive reinforcement for other (alternative) behaviors.

Question 6

When using shaping vs. chaining, how many target behaviors are there at the end of each process?

Answer 6

Shaping: One behavior at the end. Chaining: Multiple (complex) behaviors at the end.

Question 7

What is the Premack Principle?

Answer 7

A behavior that occurs frequently can be used to reinforce a behavior that does not occur often enough.

Question 8

Shaping, chaining, and the Premack Principle all involve what technique?

Answer 8

Positive reinforcement (an operant technique).

Question 9

Name two possible actions that can be used in the process of overcorrection.

Answer 9

Correcting the consequences of the behavior (restitution) and practicing positive behaviors (positive practice).

Question 10

Name the operant reinforcement schedule for each of these: A salary, a commission, a pop quiz, and a slot machine.

Answer 10

Salary: Fixed interval. Commission: Fixed ratio. Pop quiz: Variable interval. Slot machine: Variable ratio.

Question 11

What does “Two-factor theory” combine?

Answer 11

Operant and classical conditioning.

Question 12

What are escape and avoidance conditioning both examples of?

Answer 12

Negative reinforcement.