In Chapter 7, Learning and Conditioning, We Read About the Problems

question 233

Essay

In Chapter 7, Learning and Conditioning, we read about the problems Keller and Marian Breland encountered when they ignored biological constraints by trying to condition pigs to drop large wooden coins in a box. The Brelands realized that the pig's rooting instinct, using its snout to uncover and dig up edible roots, was keeping it from learning the task. People are also influenced by the evolutionary history of our human species. Integrate the information learned in Chapter 3, Genes, Evolution, and Environment, with information about operant and classical conditioning. In your essay, include a discussion of language.

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Definitions:

Cash Dividends

Payments made by a company from its earnings to its shareholders in the form of cash.

Retained Earnings

Cumulative net earnings or profit of a firm after accounting for dividends; they are reinvested in the core business or to pay debt.

Net Income

The net income of a company once all costs and taxes are deducted from the overall revenue.

Fixed Assets

Long-term tangible assets used in operations, such as machinery, buildings, and equipment, which are not expected to be converted into cash in the short term.