Question

Janet trained her dog to sit on command by following this behavior with a reward of a dog biscuit and praise. Janet used the principles of:

A) Classical conditioning
B) Operant conditioning
C) Observational learning
D) Insight learning

Answer 1

Janet's method of giving her dog a biscuit and praise for sitting is an example of operant conditioning, a learning process where behaviors are influenced by consequences. It differs from classical conditioning, where a response is triggered by associating two stimuli.

Step-by-step explanation:

Janet trained her dog to sit on command by giving a reward of a dog biscuit and praise after the behavior occurred, which is a principle of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning, as proposed by B.F. Skinner, involves learning to associate a behavior with its consequences. In contrast, classical conditioning involves forming an association between two stimuli, leading to a naturally occurring response.

For example, Pavlov's experiments with dogs demonstrated classical conditioning where a dog came to associate the sound of a bell with food and began to salivate upon hearing the bell, even without the presence of food. This reflects the creation of a stimulus-response association. In operant conditioning, the behavior is modified by rewards or punishments, making it more or less likely to occur in the future, such as the dolphin performing tricks after hearing a whistle and expecting a fish as a reward, as seen in Figure 6.2.