Test Bank Introduction to Learning and Behavior 5th Edition Powell
Questions & Answers with rationales (Chapter 1-13) updated
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CHAPTER 1: Introduction
Test Bank for Chapter 1
See preface for complete information about the test bank. Note that questions marked with a QZ, MD, or FN have
been used in the ready-to-use review quizzes, midterm exam, and final exam, respectively, that have been
provided in the appendix to this manual. Questions marked with WWW appear on the book companion website.
1. The word “behavior” refers to any activity of an organism that can be _____.
a) observed
b) visualized
c) precisely measured
d) Both a and b are correct.
Answer: A
Page number: 4
Feedback: Behavior is any activity of an organism that can be observed or somehow measured.
2. According to the text, learning is a(n) _____ in behavior that results from some type of experience.
a) temporary change
b) permanent change
c) relatively permanent change
d) irreversible change
Answer: C
Page number: 4
Feedback: Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior that results from some type of experience.
The change is not necessarily immediate.
3. Classical conditioning is to _____ behavior as operant conditioning is to ______ behavior.
a) novel; involuntary
b) reflexive; voluntary
c) reflexive; novel
d) voluntary; reflexive
Answer: B
Page number: 5–6
Feedback: The behaviors involved in classical conditioning are often what an average person regards as
reflexive or “involuntary,” whereas the behaviors involved in operant conditioning are what a person regards
as goal-directed or “voluntary.”
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4. If your friend smiles after you give her a compliment, you are more likely to compliment her in the
future. Which of the following types of conditioning does this example illustrate? a) Classical
conditioning
b) Cognitive learning
c) Observational learning
d) Operant conditioning
Answer: D
Page number: 6
Feedback: The given example illustrates operant conditioning. Operant conditioning involves the
strengthening or weakening of a behavior as a result of its consequences.
5. A student studying hard to win a medal is to _____ conditioning as salivating in response to food is to _____
conditioning.
a) operant; classical
b) classical; operant
c) cognitive; classical
d) cognitive; operant
Answer: A
Page number: 5–6
Feedback: A student studying hard to win a medal is an example of operant conditioning, whereas salivating
in response to food is an example of classical conditioning.
6. Which of the following is an example of classical conditioning?
a) A student being punctual because he has been praised before for his punctuality
b) An infant throwing tantrums as this helps her get her parents’ attention
c) A dog learning to perform some tricks in order to get food from its master
d) A rat learning to jump in response to a clap that was previously accompanied by a shock Answer: D
Page Number: 5
Feedback: A rat learning to jump in response to a clap that was previously accompanied by a shock is an
example of classical conditioning. The response is involuntary and reflexive.
7. In operant conditioning, behaviors are:
a) reflexive or involuntary.
b) elicited by external stimulations.
c) controlled by their consequences.
d) largely innate. Answer: C
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Page number: 6
Feedback: Operant conditioning involves the strengthening or weakening of a behavior as a result of its
consequences. The behaviors involved are often those that the average person regards as goal-directed or
“voluntary.”
Historical Background Aristotle: Empiricism and the Laws of Empiricism
8. Aristotle was a(n) _____, while Plato was a(n) _____.
a) empiricist; nativist
b) structuralist; functionalist
c) functionalist; structuralist
d) nativist; empiricist
Answer: A
Page number: 8
Feedback: Plato is an early example of a nativist and Aristotle is an early example of an empiricist. The nativist
(nature) perspective assumes that a person’s abilities and tendencies are largely inborn, whereas the
empiricist (nurture) perspective assumes that a person’s abilities and tendencies are mostly learned.
9. Jason believes that great scientists are born and not made, while Allison believes that great scientists have
simply been given superior training. Jason is best described as a(n) _____, while Allison is best described as
a(n) _____.
a) functionalist; structuralist
b) empiricist; nativist
c) structuralist; functionalist
d) nativist; empiricist
Answer: D
Page number: 7–8
Feedback: Jason is a nativist, whereas Allison is an empiricist. The nativist (nature) perspective assumes that a
person’s abilities and tendencies are largely inborn, whereas the empiricist (nurture) perspective assumes
that a person’s abilities and tendencies are mostly learned.
10. Joseph once witnessed an accident in which a car had plowed into a big oak tree. Now, each time he drives
by that tree, he is reminded of the accident. Joseph’s behavior illustrates Aristotle’s law of _____. a)
frequency
b) contrast
c) contiguity
d) similarity
Answer: C
Page number: 8
Feedback: Joseph’s behavior illustrates Aristotle’s law of contiguity. According to this law, events that occur
in close proximity to each other are readily associated.
11. As I look at the spotlight, I am reminded of the sun. This example illustrates Aristotle’s law of _____. a)
contiguity
b) contrast
c) proximity
d) similarity Answer: D
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