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Chapter 6: Problem 22

What is a Skinner box and what is its purpose?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A Skinner box is a device used for conducting animal behavior experiments, designed by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Its purpose is to examine behavior patterns by providing a controlled environment for introducing stimuli and observing the resultant behavior, aiding in understanding operant conditioning and learning processes.

Step by step solution

01

Define Skinner Box

A Skinner box, also known as an operant conditioning chamber, is a device used in experiments conducted by B.F. Skinner, an American psychologist. The box is designed to study animal behavior by providing a controlled environment where the researcher can introduce stimuli and observe resultant behavior.
02

Explain the Purpose

The purpose of a Skinner box is to analyze behavior patterns in animals, particularly in response to certain stimuli. The box operates based on the principle of operant conditioning, where the animals can be rewarded or punished after they perform a specific behavior, encouraging or discouraging that action in the future. Its use helps in understanding learning and behavior conditioning processes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What kinds of things have you learned through the process of classical conditioning? Operant conditioning? Observational learning? How did you learn them?

Extinction occurs when _____ a. the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with an unconditioned stimulus b. the unconditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with a conditioned stimulus c. the neutral stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with an unconditioned stimulus d. the neutral stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with a conditioned stimulus.

What is the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

In _____ the stimulus or experience occurs before the behavior and then gets paired with the behavior. a. associative learning b. observational learning c. operant conditioning d. classical conditioning

Two forms of associative learning are _____ and _____ a. classical conditioning; operant conditioning b. classical conditioning; Pavlovian conditioning c. operant conditioning; observational learning d. operant conditioning; learning conditioning
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