PSY 7712 Comprehensive Exam | 50
Questions and Answers | 2026 Updated |
100% Correct – Capella University.
Questions 1–10: Philosophical Underpinnings & Foundational Concepts
1. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is called a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
Correct ,,answer,,,: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: A pivotal behavior, when learned, leads to positive changes in other
untrained behaviors. This is different from a behavior cusp, which exposes the
individual to new environments. Operant behavior is controlled by its
consequences, and respondent behavior is elicited by antecedent stimuli.
2. A behavior analyst uses the simplest and most logical explanation for a
behavior. This practice is known as:
A. Pragmatism
B. Determinism
C. Parsimony
D. Empiricism
Correct ,,answer,,,: C. Parsimony
Rationale: Parsimony is the philosophical assumption that simple, logical
explanations are preferred over complex ones. Pragmatism focuses on the practical
,application, determinism is the belief in lawful behavior, and empiricism is the
practice of objective observation.
3. All of the following are levels of scientific understanding except:
A. Analysis
B. Description
C. Control
D. Prediction
Correct ,,answer,,,: A. Analysis
Rationale: The three levels of scientific understanding are Description (systematic
observation), Prediction (covariation of events), and Control (functional relation).
"Analysis" is a broader process that uses these levels to identify functional
relations.
4. Jan notices that ice cream sales are high on hot days. She looks at the
upcoming forecast and tells her boss to expect high sales. Which level of
scientific analysis is Jan using?
A. Correlation
B. Prediction
C. Description
D. Control
Correct ,,answer,,,: B. Prediction
Rationale: Jan is using the reliable correlation between heat and sales to forecast
future events. This is prediction. Description is just observing the relationship, and
control would involve actively manipulating the weather or sales price.
5. What philosophical assumption of science holds that the universe is a lawful
and orderly place?
A. Empiricism
B. Parsimony
, C. Determinism
D. Pragmatism
Correct ,,answer,,,: C. Determinism
Rationale: Determinism is the assumption that the universe is lawfully ordered,
meaning all phenomena occur as a result of other events. Empiricism is
observation, parsimony is simplicity, and pragmatism is the practical value of a
concept.
6. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
Correct ,,answer,,,: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: A pivotal behavior, once learned, results in positive changes in other
untrained behaviors. This distinguishes it from a behavior cusp, which exposes an
individual to new environments and contingencies.
7. Which of the following is a dimension of behavior?
A. Topography
B. Function
C. Repeatability
D. Latency
Correct ,,answer,,,: C. Repeatability
Rationale: The three fundamental dimensions of behavior are repeatability
(count/frequency), temporal extent (duration), and temporal locus (latency,
interresponse time). Topography and function are important characteristics but are
not "dimensional quantities."
Questions and Answers | 2026 Updated |
100% Correct – Capella University.
Questions 1–10: Philosophical Underpinnings & Foundational Concepts
1. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is called a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
Correct ,,answer,,,: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: A pivotal behavior, when learned, leads to positive changes in other
untrained behaviors. This is different from a behavior cusp, which exposes the
individual to new environments. Operant behavior is controlled by its
consequences, and respondent behavior is elicited by antecedent stimuli.
2. A behavior analyst uses the simplest and most logical explanation for a
behavior. This practice is known as:
A. Pragmatism
B. Determinism
C. Parsimony
D. Empiricism
Correct ,,answer,,,: C. Parsimony
Rationale: Parsimony is the philosophical assumption that simple, logical
explanations are preferred over complex ones. Pragmatism focuses on the practical
,application, determinism is the belief in lawful behavior, and empiricism is the
practice of objective observation.
3. All of the following are levels of scientific understanding except:
A. Analysis
B. Description
C. Control
D. Prediction
Correct ,,answer,,,: A. Analysis
Rationale: The three levels of scientific understanding are Description (systematic
observation), Prediction (covariation of events), and Control (functional relation).
"Analysis" is a broader process that uses these levels to identify functional
relations.
4. Jan notices that ice cream sales are high on hot days. She looks at the
upcoming forecast and tells her boss to expect high sales. Which level of
scientific analysis is Jan using?
A. Correlation
B. Prediction
C. Description
D. Control
Correct ,,answer,,,: B. Prediction
Rationale: Jan is using the reliable correlation between heat and sales to forecast
future events. This is prediction. Description is just observing the relationship, and
control would involve actively manipulating the weather or sales price.
5. What philosophical assumption of science holds that the universe is a lawful
and orderly place?
A. Empiricism
B. Parsimony
, C. Determinism
D. Pragmatism
Correct ,,answer,,,: C. Determinism
Rationale: Determinism is the assumption that the universe is lawfully ordered,
meaning all phenomena occur as a result of other events. Empiricism is
observation, parsimony is simplicity, and pragmatism is the practical value of a
concept.
6. A behavior that produces corresponding modifications or covariations in
other adaptive, untrained behaviors is a(n):
A. Behavior cusp
B. Pivotal behavior
C. Operant behavior
D. Respondent behavior
Correct ,,answer,,,: B. Pivotal behavior
Rationale: A pivotal behavior, once learned, results in positive changes in other
untrained behaviors. This distinguishes it from a behavior cusp, which exposes an
individual to new environments and contingencies.
7. Which of the following is a dimension of behavior?
A. Topography
B. Function
C. Repeatability
D. Latency
Correct ,,answer,,,: C. Repeatability
Rationale: The three fundamental dimensions of behavior are repeatability
(count/frequency), temporal extent (duration), and temporal locus (latency,
interresponse time). Topography and function are important characteristics but are
not "dimensional quantities."
