BF Skinner Rigged the Cages of Pigeons So That Food

question 72

Multiple Choice

B.F. Skinner rigged the cages of pigeons so that food was delivered every 15 seconds. Within a short time most of the pigeons were practicing some sort of consistent behavior, even though the behavior did not have any effect on the delivery of the reinforcer. The birds were:

• A) demonstrating spontaneous recovery.
• B) developing phobias.
• C) demonstrating the partial reinforcement effect.
• D) behaving superstitiously.

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Definitions:

Appellant

A party who appeals a lower court's decision, seeking a higher court's review.

Respondent

The party against whom a legal action is taken or who replies to a claim in a court process.

Expert Witness

A specialist in a particular field who is called upon to provide informed testimony in court cases to assist in reaching a decision.

Opinion Evidence

Testimony in court of what the witness thinks, believes, or infers in regard to facts in dispute, as distinct from personal knowledge of the facts themselves.