PSY 7712 Comprehensive Exam | 50
Questions & Answers
1. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is called a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
Correct Answer: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: A pivotal behavior, when learned, leads to positive changes in other
untrained behaviors.
2. A behavior analyst uses the simplest and most logical explanation for a
behavior. This practice is known as:
A. Pragmatism
B. Determinism
C. Parsimony
D. Empiricism
Correct Answer: C. Parsimony
Rationale: Parsimony favors simple, logical explanations over complex ones.
3. All of the following are levels of scientific understanding except:
A. Analysis
B. Description
,C. Control
D. Prediction
Correct Answer: A. Analysis
Rationale: The three levels are Description, Prediction, and Control.
4. Jan notices that ice cream sales are high on hot days. She looks at the
upcoming forecast and tells her boss to expect high sales. Which level of
scientific analysis is Jan using?
A. Correlation
B. Prediction
C. Description
D. Control
Correct Answer: B. Prediction
Rationale: She uses the correlation to forecast future events.
5. What philosophical assumption of science holds that the universe is a lawful
and orderly place?
A. Empiricism
B. Parsimony
C. Determinism
D. Pragmatism
Correct Answer: C. Determinism
Rationale: Determinism assumes the universe is lawfully ordered.
6. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
, Correct Answer: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: Same as #1 – pivotal behavior leads to untrained changes.
7. Which of the following is a dimension of behavior?
A. Topography
B. Function
C. Repeatability
D. Latency
Correct Answer: C. Repeatability
Rationale: Repeatability, temporal extent, and temporal locus are dimensions.
8. A well-written behavior definition should be:
A. Positive and subjective
B. Objective, clear, and complete
C. Vague and general
D. Based on internal states
Correct Answer: B. Objective, clear, and complete
Rationale: It must refer only to observable, measurable features.
9. Which of the following is the most parsimonious explanation for a child's
tantrum?
A. Subconscious need for attention
B. Occurs when asked to do a non-preferred task and results in a break
C. Unresolved Oedipal complex
D. Genetic predisposition
Correct Answer: B. Occurs when asked to do a non-preferred task and results in a
break
Rationale: Simplest, observable, and lawfully related explanation.
Questions & Answers
1. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is called a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
Correct Answer: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: A pivotal behavior, when learned, leads to positive changes in other
untrained behaviors.
2. A behavior analyst uses the simplest and most logical explanation for a
behavior. This practice is known as:
A. Pragmatism
B. Determinism
C. Parsimony
D. Empiricism
Correct Answer: C. Parsimony
Rationale: Parsimony favors simple, logical explanations over complex ones.
3. All of the following are levels of scientific understanding except:
A. Analysis
B. Description
,C. Control
D. Prediction
Correct Answer: A. Analysis
Rationale: The three levels are Description, Prediction, and Control.
4. Jan notices that ice cream sales are high on hot days. She looks at the
upcoming forecast and tells her boss to expect high sales. Which level of
scientific analysis is Jan using?
A. Correlation
B. Prediction
C. Description
D. Control
Correct Answer: B. Prediction
Rationale: She uses the correlation to forecast future events.
5. What philosophical assumption of science holds that the universe is a lawful
and orderly place?
A. Empiricism
B. Parsimony
C. Determinism
D. Pragmatism
Correct Answer: C. Determinism
Rationale: Determinism assumes the universe is lawfully ordered.
6. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
, Correct Answer: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: Same as #1 – pivotal behavior leads to untrained changes.
7. Which of the following is a dimension of behavior?
A. Topography
B. Function
C. Repeatability
D. Latency
Correct Answer: C. Repeatability
Rationale: Repeatability, temporal extent, and temporal locus are dimensions.
8. A well-written behavior definition should be:
A. Positive and subjective
B. Objective, clear, and complete
C. Vague and general
D. Based on internal states
Correct Answer: B. Objective, clear, and complete
Rationale: It must refer only to observable, measurable features.
9. Which of the following is the most parsimonious explanation for a child's
tantrum?
A. Subconscious need for attention
B. Occurs when asked to do a non-preferred task and results in a break
C. Unresolved Oedipal complex
D. Genetic predisposition
Correct Answer: B. Occurs when asked to do a non-preferred task and results in a
break
Rationale: Simplest, observable, and lawfully related explanation.
