AP Psychology Modules 27-28 Questions with Correct Answers
(Grade A+)
Question 1: operant conditioning
Answer: a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if
followed by a punisher
Question 2: law of effect
Answer: Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and
that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely
Question 3: operant chamber
Answer: in operant conditioning research, a chamber (also known as a Skinner box) containing a bar or key
that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer; attached devices record the animal's rate
f bar pressing or key pecking
Question 4: reinforcement
Answer: in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows
Question 5: shaping
Answer: an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforces guide behavior toward closer and closer
approximations of the desired behavior
Question 6: discriminative stimulus
Answer: in operant conditioning, a stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement (in
contrast to related stimuli not associated with reinforcement)
Question 7: positive reinforcement
Answer: increasing behaviors by presenting positive reinforcers
Question 8: negative reinforcement
Answer: increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli
Question 9: primary reinforcer
Answer: an innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
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(Grade A+)
Question 1: operant conditioning
Answer: a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if
followed by a punisher
Question 2: law of effect
Answer: Thorndike's principle that behaviors followed by favorable consequences become more likely, and
that behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely
Question 3: operant chamber
Answer: in operant conditioning research, a chamber (also known as a Skinner box) containing a bar or key
that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer; attached devices record the animal's rate
f bar pressing or key pecking
Question 4: reinforcement
Answer: in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it follows
Question 5: shaping
Answer: an operant conditioning procedure in which reinforces guide behavior toward closer and closer
approximations of the desired behavior
Question 6: discriminative stimulus
Answer: in operant conditioning, a stimulus that elicits a response after association with reinforcement (in
contrast to related stimuli not associated with reinforcement)
Question 7: positive reinforcement
Answer: increasing behaviors by presenting positive reinforcers
Question 8: negative reinforcement
Answer: increasing behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli
Question 9: primary reinforcer
Answer: an innately reinforcing stimulus, such as one that satisfies a biological need
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