Dog Training Canine Learning Theory 2

Question 1

In operant conditioning, what does negative reinforcement do to a behavior?

Accepted Answer

Increases it by removing an aversive stimulus

Answer

Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by taking away an unpleasant stimulus when the behavior occurs.

Question 2

A dog stops jumping on guests when jumping is completely ignored. This is an example of what?

Accepted Answer

Extinction

Answer

Extinction occurs when a previously reinforced behavior fades because reinforcement is withheld.

Question 3

What is an 'extinction burst'?

Accepted Answer

A temporary increase in the behavior when reinforcement stops

Answer

An extinction burst is a brief spike in the unwanted behavior before it declines once reinforcement ends.

Question 4

In a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule, reward is given after which condition?

Accepted Answer

A set number of correct responses

Answer

A fixed-ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after a specific, unchanging number of responses.

Question 5

Which reinforcement schedule produces the most resistant-to-extinction behavior?

Accepted Answer

Variable ratio

Answer

Variable-ratio schedules create persistent behavior because the dog can never predict when the next reward comes.

Dog Training Practice Test