This review involves you using examples to determine the type of operant conditioning being described. For numbers 1-5 all you need to do is write the name (vocabulary term) of the type of operant conditioning. Be sure to use your book and notes and take your time answering because you only get one try!

1. Vinh was told at his last dental check up that he needed to floss more or cavities might develop between some of his teeth. Vinh hates flossing! He meant to start flossing but never did. He brushes but still doesn't floss. At his latest check up the dentist told him he has three cavities between his teeth that need to be filled and that this will cost $635. In this example, which type of operant conditioning does the $635 bill represent?

2. Katrina was asked by her employer to pick up a shift on New Years Eve. Her first thought was "No way I have plans!". However, she has been trying to save up to get her own car. Finally she decided to take the shift because holiday pay is time and a half and she can really use the money. In this example, what type of operant conditioning is working the extra shift to get the extra pay?

3. Zoe was told at her last dental check up that she needed to floss more or cavities might develop between some of her teeth. Zoe has never really been much of a flosser but really hates getting cavities. Cavity pain, getting a shot in the gums, the expense, it's so terrible! She made the decision that she would start flossing every day. At her latest check up the dentist told her she has no cavities! Which type of operant conditioning did Zoe experience when she found out she has no cavities and decided she is definitely going to keep up to flossing?

4. Levi is in Kindergarten. When you are a "good citizen" as the teacher puts it you get a smiley sticker. The teacher has explained that being a good citizen is doing things like putting your crayons away, coming back to class quickly (and without whining) from recess and sharing with others in the class. Stickers can be saved up and exchanged for prizes. Levi was such a "good citizen" that he earned a Spider-Man toy! In this example what type of operant conditioning has Levi experienced?

5. Jessica and Javier are twins. This year they begin their freshman year of high school. Their weekend curfew was extended from 9pm to 11pm. On Saturday night Javier came home promptly at 11pm. Jessica meanwhile, didn't get home until midnight and didn't answer her phone from 11pm to midnight when her parents tried to call. She was told for the next three weekends this month she can't go out at all. Instead on Friday nights she has to stay home and babysit her little sister 6 year old Bianca while her parents go on date night. What type of operant conditioning is represented by Jessica not being able to go out with her friends?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

In this example the type of operant conditioning represented by the 635 bill is positive punishment ... View the full answer