Principles of Operant Conditioning Have Been Used to Help Explain

question 62

Essay

Principles of operant conditioning have been used to help explain why people get attached to "lucky" hats, charms, and rituals. Using these principles, explain how an athlete might show this type of behaviour. How did Skinner demonstrate the phenomenon of superstitious behaviour with eight pigeons in his laboratory?

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Definitions:

Zero Coupon Treasury Bond

A government bond that does not pay interest throughout its life and is sold at a discount from the face value.

Reinvestment Rate Risk

The risk that the returns from reinvesting cash flows will be lower than expected due to changes in interest rate.

Market Interest Rate

The prevailing rate of interest available in the marketplace for securities of similar risk and maturity.

Coupon Rate

The coupon rate represents the yearly interest percentage that is paid out on a bond, depicted as a proportion of its nominal value.