In a Park, Maci Saw One Pigeon That Would Turn

question 5

Multiple Choice

In a park, Maci saw one pigeon that would turn in a circle one way and then turn in a circle the opposite way before it approached any person who was about to feed it. She wondered why it engaged in this pattern of behavior. Based on the studies by B. F. Skinner, which explanation BEST accounts for the pigeon's behavior?

• A) The pigeon was showing post hoc ("after this, therefore because of this") reasoning.
• B) The sight of food in Maci's hand motivated the pigeon.
• C) The pigeon learned the superstitious behavior through operant conditioning.
• D) A park visitor shaped and reinforced the pigeon's behavior.

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Definitions:

Par Value

The face value of a bond or stock, representing the amount the issuer agrees to pay at maturity (for bonds) or as an arbitrary value assigned to shares.

Debt Relationship

The connection between borrowers and lenders, specifying the terms under which debt capital is lent and must be repaid.

Issuing Company

A company that releases or sells financial instruments like stocks and bonds to raise capital from public or private investors.

Laboratories of Democracy

A concept that states can experiment with policies and solutions, serving as prototypes for national legislation.