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According to Skinner's philosophy of radical behaviorism, internal mental states are considered the primary drivers of behavior.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to Skinner's philosophy of radical behaviorism, internal mental states are not considered the primary drivers of behavior; rather, behavior is viewed as a consequence of environmental histories of reinforcement.
B. F. Skinner is considered a minor figure in the history of behaviorism, overshadowed by later theorists.
Answer: False
Explanation: B. F. Skinner is widely regarded as a foundational and highly influential figure in the history of behaviorism, often considered the most significant psychologist of the 20th century.
B. F. Skinner posited that introspection permitted the direct observation of nonphysical mental states.
Answer: False
Explanation: B. F. Skinner asserted that introspection revealed the observer's own body, not a nonphysical world of consciousness, and that these observations were collateral products of an individual's history.
B. F. Skinner asserted that during introspection, the observed phenomena consist of the observer's own physiological body, rather than a nonphysical realm of consciousness.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner asserted that during introspection, the observed phenomena consist of the observer's own physiological body, rather than a nonphysical realm of consciousness.
In the field of psychology, B. F. Skinner is primarily recognized as:
Answer: A prominent behaviorist known for operant conditioning and radical behaviorism.
Explanation: B. F. Skinner is primarily recognized as a prominent behaviorist, renowned for his development of operant conditioning and the philosophy of radical behaviorism.
According to the philosophy of radical behaviorism as articulated by B. F. Skinner, what is considered the primary determinant of behavior?
Answer: Environmental histories of reinforcement.
Explanation: Radical behaviorism posits that behavior is primarily determined by an organism's environmental histories of reinforcement.
According to B. F. Skinner's perspective on introspection, what is actually observed?
Answer: The observer's own body.
Explanation: Skinner stated that introspection reveals observations of one's own body, not a nonphysical realm of consciousness.
'Shaping,' within Skinner's theoretical framework, refers to the process of reinforcing only the final, complex behavior in a sequence.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Shaping' involves gradually reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior, not solely reinforcing the final complex behavior.
Positive reinforcement is defined as a process that strengthens behavior through the removal of an undesirable event.
Answer: False
Explanation: Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior by the presentation of a desirable event. The removal of an undesirable event is negative reinforcement.
B. F. Skinner argued that punishment constitutes a more effective tool than positive reinforcement for modifying behavior within educational settings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Skinner argued that positive reinforcement is more effective for establishing and changing behavior than punishment, which he believed primarily taught avoidance and could lead to negative side effects.
In the context of operant conditioning, how did B. F. Skinner propose measuring the strength of a response?
Answer: By the rate of response.
Explanation: Skinner proposed that the rate of response was the most precise and effective measure of response strength in operant conditioning.
Within B. F. Skinner's operant conditioning framework, what is the function of a discriminative stimulus (S^D)?
Answer: It signals the availability of reinforcement for a specific response.
Explanation: A discriminative stimulus signals the conditions under which a particular response is likely to be reinforced.
Which of the following statements best describes negative reinforcement as defined by B. F. Skinner?
Answer: Removing or avoiding an aversive event to increase behavior.
Explanation: Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by the removal or avoidance of an aversive event.
In the context of education, how did B. F. Skinner contrast the efficacy of positive reinforcement with punishment?
Answer: Positive reinforcement builds constructive behavior, while punishment primarily teaches avoidance.
Explanation: Skinner argued that positive reinforcement builds constructive behavior, whereas punishment primarily teaches avoidance and can lead to negative side effects.
What specific relationship constituted the 'three-term contingency' that B. F. Skinner considered central to his theoretical framework?
Answer: Discriminative Stimulus - Response - Reinforcer
Explanation: The three-term contingency, central to Skinner's work, describes the relationship between a discriminative stimulus, a response, and a reinforcer.
In the context of operant behavior, what did B. F. Skinner specifically mean by the term 'shaping'?
Answer: Gradually reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior.
Explanation: Shaping is the process of reinforcing successive approximations toward a desired target behavior.
Which of the following accurately describes a variable ratio (VR) reinforcement schedule?
Answer: Reinforcement is delivered after a variable number of responses.
Explanation: A variable ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.
According to B. F. Skinner's definition, what does the process of extinction involve?
Answer: The absence of a rewarding stimulus, which weakens behavior.
Explanation: Extinction occurs when a behavior is no longer followed by a reinforcing stimulus, leading to a decrease in the behavior's frequency.
B. F. Skinner developed the cumulative recorder, a key instrument for graphically representing the rate of responses during his experimental investigations.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner developed the cumulative recorder, a key instrument for graphically representing the rate of responses during his experimental investigations.
Project Pigeon, a World War II initiative, involved B. F. Skinner training pigeons to guide missiles through the mechanism of pecking at targets.
Answer: True
Explanation: Project Pigeon, a World War II initiative, involved B. F. Skinner training pigeons to guide missiles through the mechanism of pecking at targets.
Which specific invention was designed by B. F. Skinner to facilitate the empirical study of operant conditioning?
Answer: The operant conditioning chamber (Skinner box)
Explanation: The operant conditioning chamber, commonly known as the Skinner box, was specifically designed by Skinner to facilitate the controlled study of operant conditioning.
What was the primary function of the cumulative recorder within B. F. Skinner's research methodology?
Answer: To graphically record the rate of responses over time.
Explanation: The cumulative recorder's primary function was to graphically represent the rate at which responses occurred over time.
What was the specific purpose of Project Pigeon during World War II?
Answer: To create a guidance system for missiles using trained pigeons.
Explanation: Project Pigeon aimed to develop a guidance system for missiles by training pigeons to peck at targets.
What was identified as a significant limitation of the operant conditioning chamber (Skinner box) within the provided source material?
Answer: It discouraged research into behavioral processes not easily measured by simple, repeatable responses.
Explanation: The Skinner box discouraged research into behavioral processes not easily measured by simple, repeatable responses, such as spatial learning.
The operant conditioning chamber, commonly known as the Skinner box, is noted for discouraging research in which specific area of study?
Answer: Spatial learning
Explanation: The Skinner box discouraged research into areas like spatial learning, which required different experimental setups.
Skinner's seminal utopian novel, *Walden Two*, critically examined the application of behavioral principles to the design and organization of communities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Skinner's seminal utopian novel, *Walden Two*, critically examined the application of behavioral principles to the design and organization of communities.
B. F. Skinner explained the origin of operant behavior by drawing an analogy to genetic mutation and the process of natural selection.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner explained the origin of operant behavior by drawing an analogy to Darwinian natural selection, referring to it as 'selection by consequences'.
B. F. Skinner proposed the concept of 'rule-governed behavior' as a mechanism to explain how verbal stimuli can effectively control complex learned actions.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner proposed the concept of 'rule-governed behavior' as a mechanism to explain how verbal stimuli can effectively control complex learned actions.
B. F. Skinner's concept of 'selection by consequences' applies exclusively to biological evolution, and not to learned behavior.
Answer: False
Explanation: Skinner's concept of 'selection by consequences' applies to both biological evolution (natural selection) and learned behavior (reinforcement).
What was the primary focus of B. F. Skinner's influential 1957 publication, *Schedules of Reinforcement*, co-authored with Charles Ferster?
Answer: Extensive research on how different patterns of reinforcement delivery affect behavior.
Explanation: The primary focus of *Schedules of Reinforcement* was extensive research detailing how various patterns of reinforcement delivery influence behavior.
Which of the following titles is NOT among B. F. Skinner's notable publications as indicated in the provided source material?
Answer: *The Interpretation of Dreams*
Explanation: *The Interpretation of Dreams* is a work by Sigmund Freud, not B. F. Skinner.
B. F. Skinner's concept of 'selection by consequences' draws a parallel between operant conditioning and which fundamental biological process?
Answer: Natural selection
Explanation: Skinner's concept of 'selection by consequences' draws a parallel between operant conditioning and Darwinian natural selection.
B. F. Skinner's social theory, particularly as articulated in *Beyond Freedom and Dignity*, posited that societal problems could be effectively addressed by:
Answer: Applying a science of behavioral control to improve society.
Explanation: Skinner argued in *Beyond Freedom and Dignity* that societal problems could be addressed by applying a science of behavioral control.
B. F. Skinner's influential work *Walden Two* primarily explored:
Answer: The application of behavioral principles to community design and social organization.
Explanation: *Walden Two* explored the application of behavioral principles to community design and social organization.
B. F. Skinner's concept of 'rule-governed behavior' pertains to how complex actions are controlled by:
Answer: Verbal stimuli.
Explanation: Rule-governed behavior explains how complex actions are controlled by verbal stimuli or rules.
B. F. Skinner's distinguished academic career featured an extended tenure as the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner's distinguished academic career featured an extended tenure as the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University.
Prior to his engagement with psychology, B. F. Skinner harbored an early interest in writing, which initially led him to consider a career in journalism.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Skinner had an early interest in writing, his initial aspirations were focused on becoming a novelist, not specifically a journalist, before he turned to psychology.
The work of John B. Watson on behaviorism proved instrumental in persuading Skinner to relinquish his literary aspirations and pursue graduate studies in psychology.
Answer: True
Explanation: The work of John B. Watson on behaviorism proved instrumental in persuading Skinner to relinquish his literary aspirations and pursue graduate studies in psychology.
B. F. Skinner's doctoral research at Harvard University was dedicated to the development of his experimental science of behavior, including the invention of foundational tools such as a prototype of the Skinner box.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner's doctoral research at Harvard University was dedicated to the development of his experimental science of behavior, including the invention of foundational tools such as a prototype of the Skinner box.
Following the completion of his doctoral studies, B. F. Skinner held academic positions exclusively at Harvard University.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his doctoral studies, B. F. Skinner held academic positions at the University of Minnesota and Indiana University before returning to Harvard University.
B. F. Skinner passed away in 1990 due to complications arising from leukemia.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Skinner passed away in 1990 due to complications arising from leukemia.
In the period shortly preceding his death, B. F. Skinner was honored with a lifetime achievement award bestowed by the American Psychological Association.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the period shortly preceding his death, B. F. Skinner was honored with a lifetime achievement award bestowed by the American Psychological Association.
What academic position did B. F. Skinner hold at Harvard University for a tenure spanning nearly three decades?
Answer: Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology
Explanation: B. F. Skinner held the esteemed position of Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University from 1948 until his retirement in 1974.
What historical period is referred to as the 'Dark Years' in the context of B. F. Skinner's life?
Answer: The period following his graduation when he struggled to write a novel.
Explanation: The 'Dark Years' refers to the period after Skinner graduated from college when he lived with his parents and struggled to establish himself as a writer.
How did the work of John B. Watson significantly influence B. F. Skinner's career trajectory?
Answer: It led Skinner to abandon writing and pursue graduate studies in psychology.
Explanation: Encountering Watson's behaviorism prompted Skinner to abandon his literary ambitions and pursue graduate studies in psychology.
B. F. Skinner's doctoral research conducted at Harvard University was notably influenced by which fellow psychologist?
Answer: Fred S. Keller
Explanation: Skinner's doctoral research at Harvard was influenced by fellow psychologist Fred S. Keller.
In which U.S. state was B. F. Skinner born?
Answer: Pennsylvania
Explanation: B. F. Skinner was born in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
The principles of operant conditioning developed by B. F. Skinner have had minimal impact outside the realm of academic psychology.
Answer: False
Explanation: Skinner's principles of operant conditioning have had a significant impact beyond academic psychology, influencing fields such as therapy, education, and organizational behavior.
A token economy system utilizes tokens as secondary reinforcers to incentivize and encourage the exhibition of desirable behaviors.
Answer: True
Explanation: A token economy system utilizes tokens as secondary reinforcers to incentivize and encourage the exhibition of desirable behaviors.
B. F. Skinner's 'teaching machine' was designed to implement which core educational principle?
Answer: Programmed learning with immediate reinforcement.
Explanation: The teaching machine was designed to deliver programmed learning, emphasizing immediate reinforcement for correct responses.
According to B. F. Skinner's pedagogical philosophy, what were the two principal purposes that education should serve?
Answer: To teach behavior repertoires and foster interest in learning.
Explanation: Skinner believed education should teach behavior repertoires and foster students' interest in learning.
In his work *The Technology of Teaching*, what common classroom practice did B. F. Skinner critically address?
Answer: The overuse of aversive techniques and punishment.
Explanation: Skinner criticized the overuse of aversive techniques and punishment in traditional classroom practices.
B. F. Skinner's vocal opposition to corporal punishment in educational settings contributed to which significant development?
Answer: The eventual ban on spanking in educational settings.
Explanation: Skinner's opposition to corporal punishment contributed to the eventual ban on spanking in educational settings.
Noam Chomsky's critical review of Skinner's *Verbal Behavior* strongly supported Skinner's behaviorist explanation of language acquisition.
Answer: False
Explanation: Noam Chomsky's influential review of Skinner's *Verbal Behavior* was highly critical and is often credited with challenging the behaviorist explanation of language acquisition.
The 'air crib' invention generated controversy due to its perceived resemblance to the Skinner box and associated concerns regarding infant welfare.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'air crib' invention generated controversy due to its perceived resemblance to the Skinner box and associated concerns regarding infant welfare.
Temple Grandin claimed that B. F. Skinner was dismissive of her ideas and made inappropriate advances towards her.
Answer: True
Explanation: Temple Grandin claimed that B. F. Skinner was dismissive of her ideas and made inappropriate advances towards her.
B. F. Skinner's seminal work, *Verbal Behavior*, faced significant criticism primarily from which prominent linguist?
Answer: Noam Chomsky
Explanation: Noam Chomsky's influential review critically challenged Skinner's behaviorist account of language in *Verbal Behavior*.
What was the 'air crib,' and what were the primary reasons for its generation of controversy?
Answer: A specialized infant bed; controversial due to comparisons with Skinner boxes and public perception.
Explanation: The 'air crib' was a specialized infant bed that generated controversy due to public perception and comparisons with Skinner boxes.
What criticism did modern behavioral psychologists, such as Staddon and Simmelhag, raise concerning B. F. Skinner's 'Superstition in the Pigeon' experiment?
Answer: They proposed alternative explanations for the observed behaviors, such as terminal or interim responses.
Explanation: Staddon and Simmelhag proposed alternative explanations for the pigeon behaviors, suggesting terminal or interim responses rather than accidental reinforcement.
What specific criticism did Temple Grandin articulate regarding B. F. Skinner?
Answer: He was dismissive of her ideas and made inappropriate advances.
Explanation: Temple Grandin claimed Skinner was dismissive of her ideas and made inappropriate advances towards her.