Skinner Conducted a Famous Study in Which He Punished Bar

question 104

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 punishment is ineffective in the long run. A more accurate conclusion would be

• A) punishment becomes more effective with the passage of time.
• B) punishment is effective in the long run if it inflicts enough pain.
• C) punishment does not weaken a response when no other response is available.
• D) negative reinforcement is ineffective in the long run, but punishment is very effective.

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Definitions:

Opportunity Cost

The benefit foregone by choosing one alternative over another.

Cash Outlay

The actual expenditure of cash or cash equivalent for purchases or services.

Alternative Investments

Financial assets that do not fall into the conventional categories of stocks, bonds, or cash, including commodities, real estate, and hedge funds.

Opportunity Cost

The cost of foregoing the next best alternative when making a decision or choice.