Skinner Conducted a Famous Study in Which He Punished Bar

question 116

Multiple Choice

Skinner conducted a famous study in which he punished bar pressing in rats attempting to obtain food by having the bar slap their paws each time they pressed it. Based on the results of this study, Skinner concluded that

• A) punishment is more effective than reinforcement in changing behavior.
• B) although punishment is ineffective in the short-term, over a longer period of time, punishment is highly effective.
• C) punishment temporarily suppresses behavior, but it is ineffective in the long run.
• D) punishment is most effective if it inflicts a high degree of pain.

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Definitions:

Durham v. United States

A landmark court case that altered the criteria for determining criminal insanity in the United States, focusing on the accused's mental state at the time of the offense.

Temporary Insanity

A legal defense argument that a person was incapable of understanding the nature of their actions or distinguishing right from wrong due to a temporary mental state.

Act of Self-Defense

A legal defense that justifies the use of force by one individual against another under threat of harm.

Harmful Act

An action that causes damage or injury to oneself or others, which can be physical, emotional, or environmental.