A Pigeon Is Left Overnight in a Skinner Box

question 5

Multiple Choice

A pigeon is left overnight in a Skinner Box. The mechanism is set to give out a food pellet every five minutes, no matter what the animal does. In the morning the researcher finds the pigeon tucking its head under its wing and moving in a counter-clockwise circle. What has most likely happened?

• A) Spontaneous recovery has happened.
• B) Sequential learning took place during the night.
• C) The bird has developed superstitious behaviour.
• D) Classical conditioning has shaped the bird's behaviour.

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Definitions:

Conscious

Being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings; awake.

Waking State

A state of consciousness where an individual is fully awake and aware of their environment.

Hypnosis

A trance-like state of focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and increased responsiveness to suggestions.

Hypnosis

A trance-like state of heightened focus and concentration achieved through verbal repetition and mental images, which can be used for therapy or relaxation.