,Liberty University PSYC 320 Quiz 5 | Behavior
Modification (2026) Q&A
1. Shaping is defined as:
A) Reinforcing a behavior that is already occurring
B) Reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior
C) Punishing a behavior to eliminate it
D) Ignoring a behavior to extinguish it
Correct Answer: Reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior
Rationale: Shaping involves reinforcing small steps that gradually lead to the final desired
behavior. It is used when the target behavior is not currently performed. Reinforcing an
existing behavior is simple reinforcement, not shaping.
2. Which of the following is NOT a guideline for shaping?
A) Define the final target behavior clearly
B) Assess the starting level of performance
C) Use punishment for incorrect responses
D) Divide the progression into small steps
Correct Answer: Use punishment for incorrect responses
Rationale: Shaping relies on reinforcement of successive approximations, not punishment.
Punishment can interfere with learning and create fear. The other options are standard
shaping guidelines.
3. A teacher wants a shy student to speak louder in class. She first reinforces any vocal
response, then only louder responses, then only responses at a normal volume. This is an
example of shaping to:
A) Develop a new behavior
,B) Change a dimension of an existing behavior
C) Reestablish a previously performed behavior
D) Eliminate a behavior
Correct Answer: Change a dimension of an existing behavior
Rationale: The student already speaks, but the volume is too low. Shaping is used to change
the intensity (dimension) of the existing behavior. Developing a new behavior would involve
a behavior not currently performed.
4. A football player recovering from knee surgery is afraid to run. The trainer reinforces
standing, then walking, then jogging, then running. This is shaping to:
A) Develop a new behavior
B) Reestablish a previously performed behavior
C) Change a dimension of an existing behavior
D) Eliminate a behavior
Correct Answer: Reestablish a previously performed behavior
Rationale: The player could run before the injury, so the behavior is not new. Shaping is used
to reestablish the behavior after it has been suppressed by fear or injury.
5. According to Tolman, a cognitive map is:
A) A mental representation of the environment
B) A reflex arc
C) A schedule of reinforcement
D) An unconditioned response
Correct Answer: A mental representation of the environment
, Rationale: Tolman proposed that organisms develop cognitive maps, which are mental
layouts of the environment that allow them to navigate and solve problems flexibly. This was
a challenge to strict behaviorism.
6. Tolman's concept of latent learning refers to:
A) Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately demonstrated
B) Learning that occurs only with reinforcement
C) Learning that is innate
D) Learning that is always demonstrated immediately
Correct Answer: Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately
demonstrated
Rationale: Latent learning is learning that takes place without reinforcement but is not
shown until reinforcement is introduced. Tolman demonstrated this with rats that explored a
maze without reward and later performed well when a reward was offered.
7. In Tolman's theory, an expectancy that is consistently confirmed develops into a:
A) Means-end readiness
B) Equivalence belief
C) Cognitive map
D) Field expectancy
Correct Answer: Means-end readiness
Rationale: According to Tolman, when an expectancy is consistently confirmed, it becomes a
means-end readiness, which is a readiness to use a particular means to achieve a goal. This is
part of his cognitive theory of learning.
8. Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes:
A) Operant conditioning only
Modification (2026) Q&A
1. Shaping is defined as:
A) Reinforcing a behavior that is already occurring
B) Reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior
C) Punishing a behavior to eliminate it
D) Ignoring a behavior to extinguish it
Correct Answer: Reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior
Rationale: Shaping involves reinforcing small steps that gradually lead to the final desired
behavior. It is used when the target behavior is not currently performed. Reinforcing an
existing behavior is simple reinforcement, not shaping.
2. Which of the following is NOT a guideline for shaping?
A) Define the final target behavior clearly
B) Assess the starting level of performance
C) Use punishment for incorrect responses
D) Divide the progression into small steps
Correct Answer: Use punishment for incorrect responses
Rationale: Shaping relies on reinforcement of successive approximations, not punishment.
Punishment can interfere with learning and create fear. The other options are standard
shaping guidelines.
3. A teacher wants a shy student to speak louder in class. She first reinforces any vocal
response, then only louder responses, then only responses at a normal volume. This is an
example of shaping to:
A) Develop a new behavior
,B) Change a dimension of an existing behavior
C) Reestablish a previously performed behavior
D) Eliminate a behavior
Correct Answer: Change a dimension of an existing behavior
Rationale: The student already speaks, but the volume is too low. Shaping is used to change
the intensity (dimension) of the existing behavior. Developing a new behavior would involve
a behavior not currently performed.
4. A football player recovering from knee surgery is afraid to run. The trainer reinforces
standing, then walking, then jogging, then running. This is shaping to:
A) Develop a new behavior
B) Reestablish a previously performed behavior
C) Change a dimension of an existing behavior
D) Eliminate a behavior
Correct Answer: Reestablish a previously performed behavior
Rationale: The player could run before the injury, so the behavior is not new. Shaping is used
to reestablish the behavior after it has been suppressed by fear or injury.
5. According to Tolman, a cognitive map is:
A) A mental representation of the environment
B) A reflex arc
C) A schedule of reinforcement
D) An unconditioned response
Correct Answer: A mental representation of the environment
, Rationale: Tolman proposed that organisms develop cognitive maps, which are mental
layouts of the environment that allow them to navigate and solve problems flexibly. This was
a challenge to strict behaviorism.
6. Tolman's concept of latent learning refers to:
A) Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately demonstrated
B) Learning that occurs only with reinforcement
C) Learning that is innate
D) Learning that is always demonstrated immediately
Correct Answer: Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately
demonstrated
Rationale: Latent learning is learning that takes place without reinforcement but is not
shown until reinforcement is introduced. Tolman demonstrated this with rats that explored a
maze without reward and later performed well when a reward was offered.
7. In Tolman's theory, an expectancy that is consistently confirmed develops into a:
A) Means-end readiness
B) Equivalence belief
C) Cognitive map
D) Field expectancy
Correct Answer: Means-end readiness
Rationale: According to Tolman, when an expectancy is consistently confirmed, it becomes a
means-end readiness, which is a readiness to use a particular means to achieve a goal. This is
part of his cognitive theory of learning.
8. Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes:
A) Operant conditioning only
