Question

Dolphins in an aquarium show will repeat behaviors such as jumping, tossing balls, and diving in response to rewards of fish. This behavior is best described as an example of:

- latent learning.
- spontaneous recovery.
- operant conditioning.
- observational learning.
- respondent behavior.

Answer 1

Dolphins repeating behaviors for fish rewards in an aquarium show exemplify operant conditioning, a learning process where behaviors are associated with consequences. The correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior of dolphins in an aquarium show, where they repeat actions such as jumping and diving in response to the rewards of fish, is an example of operant conditioning. This is a form of associative learning where an animal learns to associate its behavior with the consequences. In this case, the dolphins are learning that performing certain behaviors will result in a desirable outcome - receiving fish. This is further exemplified by the consistent reinforcement they receive, which modifies their behavior over time, making them more likely to repeat the action when given the cue.