Certified Behavior Consultant Canine- Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)Exam Questions and
Correct Answers
Operant conditioning - Answer-A type of learning where the consequences that immediately
follow a behavior determine the probability of the behavior being repeated. An example of
operant conditioning in dog training is when we give a treat to a dog for sitting. This
increases the probability that the dog will do this behavior in the future.
Pavlovian (classical) conditioning - Answer-Associative learning where the pairing of a
conditioned and unconditioned stimulus to produce a unconditioned response can lead to a
conditioned response in the presence of the unconditioned stimulus alone.
Thorndike's Law of Effect - Answer-responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular
situation become more likely to occur again in that situation, and responses that produce a
discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation
Watson's Little Albert Experiment - Answer-Controversial classical conditioning experiment
on an infant boy called "Little Albert." Watson was interested in examining the effects of
conditioning on the fear response in humans
B.F. Skinner - Answer-Behaviorist that developed the theory of operant conditioning by
training pigeons and rats
Ian Dunbar - Answer-Founder of APDT and promoted positive dog training
Karen Pryor - Answer-Animal trainer and scientist who published "Don't Shoot the Dog"
explaining the application of operant conditioning
Reinforcement - Answer-in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it
follows
Stimulus - Answer-any event or situation that evokes a response
, primary reinforcer - Answer-any reinforcer that is naturally reinforcing by meeting a basic
biological need, such as hunger, thirst, or touch
secondary reinforcer - Answer-any reinforcer that becomes reinforcing after being paired
with a primary reinforcer, such as praise, tokens, or gold stars
schedules of reinforcement - Answer-different patterns of frequency and timing of
reinforcement following desired behavior
Eustress - Answer-positive stress or emotional state
Distress - Answer-negative stress or emotional state; measured by elevated cortisol levels
and observed behaviors such as lip-licking, yawning, panting
Cortisol - Answer-stress hormone
Systematic desensitization - Answer-Using very gradual exposure to the stimulus in a way
that keeps the animal feeling safe at all times
Aversive - Answer-Anything unpleasant (emotionally or physically) that is used to decrease
an unwanted behavior. Examples of an aversive may include verbal reprimands, pushing an
animal into a position (alpha rolls, dominance downs), threatening body language, shaker
cans, spray bottles, citronella collars, leash corrections, choke chains, prong collars, or shock
collars.
Antecedent Arrangement - Answer-The antecedent is the situation or event that was
happening immediately before a behavior. Antecedent arrangement involves manipulating
the situation or environment to improve the likelihood of a desired behavior.
Capturing - Answer-Identifying and rewarding behaviors that occur naturally and without a
cue in order to increase the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. Examples of this
Correct Answers
Operant conditioning - Answer-A type of learning where the consequences that immediately
follow a behavior determine the probability of the behavior being repeated. An example of
operant conditioning in dog training is when we give a treat to a dog for sitting. This
increases the probability that the dog will do this behavior in the future.
Pavlovian (classical) conditioning - Answer-Associative learning where the pairing of a
conditioned and unconditioned stimulus to produce a unconditioned response can lead to a
conditioned response in the presence of the unconditioned stimulus alone.
Thorndike's Law of Effect - Answer-responses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular
situation become more likely to occur again in that situation, and responses that produce a
discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation
Watson's Little Albert Experiment - Answer-Controversial classical conditioning experiment
on an infant boy called "Little Albert." Watson was interested in examining the effects of
conditioning on the fear response in humans
B.F. Skinner - Answer-Behaviorist that developed the theory of operant conditioning by
training pigeons and rats
Ian Dunbar - Answer-Founder of APDT and promoted positive dog training
Karen Pryor - Answer-Animal trainer and scientist who published "Don't Shoot the Dog"
explaining the application of operant conditioning
Reinforcement - Answer-in operant conditioning, any event that strengthens the behavior it
follows
Stimulus - Answer-any event or situation that evokes a response
, primary reinforcer - Answer-any reinforcer that is naturally reinforcing by meeting a basic
biological need, such as hunger, thirst, or touch
secondary reinforcer - Answer-any reinforcer that becomes reinforcing after being paired
with a primary reinforcer, such as praise, tokens, or gold stars
schedules of reinforcement - Answer-different patterns of frequency and timing of
reinforcement following desired behavior
Eustress - Answer-positive stress or emotional state
Distress - Answer-negative stress or emotional state; measured by elevated cortisol levels
and observed behaviors such as lip-licking, yawning, panting
Cortisol - Answer-stress hormone
Systematic desensitization - Answer-Using very gradual exposure to the stimulus in a way
that keeps the animal feeling safe at all times
Aversive - Answer-Anything unpleasant (emotionally or physically) that is used to decrease
an unwanted behavior. Examples of an aversive may include verbal reprimands, pushing an
animal into a position (alpha rolls, dominance downs), threatening body language, shaker
cans, spray bottles, citronella collars, leash corrections, choke chains, prong collars, or shock
collars.
Antecedent Arrangement - Answer-The antecedent is the situation or event that was
happening immediately before a behavior. Antecedent arrangement involves manipulating
the situation or environment to improve the likelihood of a desired behavior.
Capturing - Answer-Identifying and rewarding behaviors that occur naturally and without a
cue in order to increase the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. Examples of this
