Midterm 2 (Ch.9)

Question 1

define “escape” in the context of negative reinforcement

Answer 1

when response terminates an aversive stimulus

Question 2

define “avoidance” in the contest of negative reinforcement

Answer 2

when response prevents an aversive stimulus from occurring

Question 3

what is avoidance behaviour the result of (2)

Answer 3

both classical and operant conditioning

Question 4

describe the two-process theory of avoidance

Answer 4

avoidance behaviour is the result of two distinct processes (classical and operant conditioning)

Question 5

what is the first argument against of the two process theory of avoidance? What is the counter argument?

Answer 5

avoidance responses are extremely persistent - why do they not extinguish? anxiety conservation hypothesis- responses occur so quickly that there is insufficient CS exposure for the feared stimulus for extinction to occur

Question 6

what is the second argument against the two-process theory of avoidance? what is the counterarguement?

Answer 6

once the rat gets used to the procedure, it seems to show no fear but continues to avoid anyway. a slight amount of fear still remains, which is sufficient to continue to motivate avoidance

Question 7

describe the one-process theory of avoidance

Answer 7

act of avoidance is negatively reinforced by a lower rate of aversive stimulation

Question 8

what is one advantage of one-process theory of avoidance?

Answer 8

one does not have to speculate about what a rat is feeling

Question 9

list and give an example of “anxiety up” behaviours in OCD

Answer 9

repetitive thoughts, impulses, or images. obsessed with germs and cleanliness

Question 10

list and give an example of “anxiety down” behaviours in OCD

Answer 10

repetitive actions in response to obsessions. compulsively wash hands

Question 11

two-process theory of OCD (2)

Answer 11

obsession has been classically conditioned to elicit anxiety. compulsive behaviour is negatively reinforced by reduction of anxiety

Question 12

explain “exposure and response prevention therapy” (ERP therapy)

Answer 12

graduated prolonged exposure to events that elicit the obsessive anxiety while not engaging in the compulsive behaviour

Question 13

what does punishment involve?

Answer 13

the weakening of a behaviour through the application of an aversive stimulus or the removal of an appetitive stimulus

Question 14

define “response cost”

Answer 14

removal of a specific positive reinforcer following a problem behaviour (reinforcer must be significant enough to the individual)

Question 15

define a “time-out” (the punishment)

Answer 15

the loss of access to any positive reinforcer for a period of time following a problem behaviour

Question 16

when can a time-out be ineffective? (2)

Answer 16

when the period of time is too long or the setting the time out takes place in is more reinforcing than the one they were removed from

Question 17

define “intrinsic punishment”. (give an example)

Answer 17

inherent aspect of the behaviour being punished; activity itself is punishing. (smoking makes you feel nauseated)

Question 18

define “extrinsic punishment”. (give an example)

Answer 18

not an inherent aspect of behaviour that is being punished; simply follows the behaviour. (being told “you smoke?! Is that ever disgusting!)

Question 19

define “primary (unconditioned) punisher” (give an example)

Answer 19

event that is innately punishing (being jabbed with a needle)

Question 20

define “secondary (conditioned) punisher (give an example)

Answer 20

event that is punishing because of past association with other punishers. (going to a doctor who often gives you a needle)

Question 21

define “generalized (generalized secondary) punisher. (give an example)

Answer 21

event that is punishing because of its past association with many other punishers. (a mean look from someone)

Question 22

list the three possible benefits of punishment

Answer 22

it can sometimes lead to and increase in social behaviour, an improvement in mood and increase attention to the environment