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Harris, a Budding Stand-Up Comedian, Spent Months Hanging Out at Laugh

question 43

Multiple Choice

Harris, a budding stand-up comedian, spent months hanging out at Laugh Town, a local club, meeting other stand-ups, doing a lot of listening and finding out how they learned their trade. It got to the point where several of the star acts were trying out their new material on Harris. If Harris laughed, the material must be good, they said. Finally Harris got to the point where he wanted to try out his own act. Bobby G, a successful comic, agreed to listen to Harris. Bobby laughed a few times, but as he performed his material Harris couldn't help but wonder about the odd, pained expression on Bobby's face. When it was over, Bobby told him, "Very funny, Harris. Keep working on it." It was at that point that Harris decided he would become an agent for other comedians. Somehow, he knew that that was what he was truly suited for.
-Recognizing that the pained expression on Bobby G's face had more meaning than Bobby's encouraging words is an example of Harris using which skill?

Understand Skinner's concepts of operant behavior and the schedules of reinforcement.

Gain insights into Skinner's personal beliefs and critiques of other psychological theories.

Recognize the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior according to Skinner.

Understand the principles of operant conditioning, including shaping and reinforcement schedules.

Definitions:

Glial Cells

Glial cells, also known as glia, are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons, playing crucial roles in brain function.

Neural Connections

The links between neurons that are the basis for transmitting signals throughout the nervous system.

Action Potential

A temporary reversal of electrical polarization of the membrane of a nerve cell or muscle cell, enabling the transmission of signals.

Ions

Electrically charged atoms or molecules formed by the loss or gain of one or more electrons.