Question

After one chimpanzee sees a second chimp open a box that contains a food reward, the first animal opens a similar box with great speed. This best illustrates

A. shaping.
B. spontaneous recovery.
C. respondent behavior.
D. observational learning.
E. positive reinforcement.

Answer 1

Observational learning

Step-by-step explanation:

Observational learning occurs when a subject witnesses an action performed by a different subject and that action is either reinforced or punished. If the subject sees the action being reinforced, the subject will be more likely to perform the action. On the other hand, if the action is punished, he subject will be less likely to perform it. However, this goes beyond simple imitation, as subjects understand there is a consequence to the action, like the chimpanzee in the example. Not only does the chimp open the box, it does so at great speed meaning it understands that it involves a reward that it desires.