CDT Learning Theory & Conditioning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a trainer removes a leash correction the moment a dog heels correctly, the cessation of the aversive is functioning as:
- Positive punishment
- Negative reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Positive reinforcement
- Negative punishment
Correct answer: Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing an aversive stimulus contingent on the desired behavior.
Question 2: The process by which a conditioned stimulus loses its power to elicit a conditioned response when repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus is called:
- Spontaneous recovery
- Stimulus generalization
- Extinction (Correct answer)
- Latent inhibition
Correct answer: Extinction
Extinction in classical conditioning occurs when the CS is presented repeatedly without the US, weakening the CR.
Question 3: A dog startled by a bicycle becomes increasingly reactive to bicycles over time. This escalating sensitivity is known as:
- Habituation
- Overshadowing
- Sensitization (Correct answer)
- Blocking
Correct answer: Sensitization
Sensitization is an increase in response strength following repeated exposure to a stimulus, especially an aversive one.
Question 4: Which term describes the tendency for a behavior on extinction to temporarily increase in frequency and intensity before declining?
- Ratio strain
- Extinction burst (Correct answer)
- Spontaneous recovery
- Behavioral contrast
Correct answer: Extinction burst
An extinction burst is the initial spike in behavior when reinforcement is first withheld.
Question 5: A dog's fear of thunder becomes generalized to dark skies and barometric pressure changes. This illustrates:
- Stimulus discrimination
- Stimulus generalization (Correct answer)
- Blocking
- Overshadowing
Correct answer: Stimulus generalization
Stimulus generalization occurs when stimuli similar to the original conditioned stimulus also elicit the conditioned response.
Question 6: When a previously extinguished behavior reappears spontaneously after a rest period, this is called:
- Resurgence
- Spontaneous recovery (Correct answer)
- Regression
- Disinhibition
Correct answer: Spontaneous recovery
Spontaneous recovery is the return of an extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest.
Question 7: In classical conditioning, the term 'contiguity' refers to:
- The similarity between two stimuli
- The closeness in time between the CS and US (Correct answer)
- The strength of the unconditioned response
- The number of conditioning trials
Correct answer: The closeness in time between the CS and US
Contiguity is the temporal proximity between the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli during conditioning.
CDT Learning Theory & Conditioning 3
When a trainer removes a leash correction the moment a dog heels correctly, the cessation of the aversive is functioning as: