What Can Happen When a Person Has an External Locus

question 19

Multiple Choice

What can happen when a person has an external locus of control and believes s/he has a genetic predisposition to cancer?

• A) S/he can reinforce her or his motivation to take appropriate action.
• B) S/he can sabotage her or his efforts to take appropriate action.
• C) S/he can enhance her or his focus of control.
• D) S/he can gain a greater sense of control over her or his life.

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Definitions:

Higher-order Conditioning

A form of learning in which a stimulus is first made meaningful or consequential for an organism through an initial step of learning, and then that stimulus is used as a basis for learning about some new stimulus.

Disinhibition

The reduction of inhibition, leading to an increase in spontaneous and unrestrained behavior, often as an effect of alcohol or neural damage.

Sensitization

An increased reaction to a stimulus following its repeated presentation, often observed in allergic reactions or in response to drugs.

Behavioral Contrast

The phenomenon where the rate of response to a stimulus changes significantly when the conditions of reinforcement for another stimulus are altered.