ABSC 160: Exam 1 Questions and
Answers Rated A+
Question: What is the primary focus of behavioral science?
Answer: ✔✔ The primary focus of behavioral science is to study and understand human
behavior, including the psychological, social, and biological factors that influence how
individuals think, feel, and act.
Question: Define operant conditioning and give an example.
Answer: ✔✔ Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is shaped by rewards or
punishments. For example, a child who receives praise for completing their homework is more
likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Question: What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
Answer: ✔✔ Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase the
likelihood of a behavior being repeated, such as giving a bonus for meeting sales targets.
Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a
behavior, such as stopping a loud noise when a correct answer is given.
Question: What are the key components of a scientific experiment in behavioral science?
1
,Answer: ✔✔ Key components include the hypothesis, variables (independent and dependent),
control group, experimental group, and method of data collection and analysis to test the
hypothesis.
Question: Explain the concept of classical conditioning and provide an example.
Answer: ✔✔ Classical conditioning is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response. For example, a
dog learning to salivate at the sound of a bell because it has been repeatedly paired with the
presentation of food.
Question: What is cognitive dissonance, and how might it affect behavior?
Answer: ✔✔ Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort experienced when holding
conflicting beliefs or attitudes. It can lead individuals to change their beliefs or behaviors to
reduce the discomfort and achieve consistency.
Question: How does social learning theory differ from traditional behaviorism?
Answer: ✔✔ Social learning theory emphasizes learning through observation and imitation of
others, while traditional behaviorism focuses on learning through direct interactions with the
environment, such as rewards and punishments.
2
, Question: What role do schemas play in cognitive development?
Answer: ✔✔ Schemas are mental structures that help individuals organize and interpret
information. They play a critical role in cognitive development by shaping how new information
is understood and integrated into existing knowledge.
Question: Describe the concept of attachment theory and its significance in developmental
psychology.
Answer: ✔✔ Attachment theory focuses on the bonds between children and their caregivers.
Secure attachment is crucial for emotional and social development, influencing how individuals
form relationships and handle stress throughout life.
Question: What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
Answer: ✔✔ Intrinsic motivation comes from internal rewards and personal satisfaction, such as
enjoying a hobby. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures, such as
receiving a paycheck or praise.
Question: How does the concept of self-efficacy influence behavior?
Answer: ✔✔ Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific tasks. Higher self-
efficacy can lead to greater effort and persistence, while lower self-efficacy may result in
avoidance of challenging tasks and reduced performance.
3
Answers Rated A+
Question: What is the primary focus of behavioral science?
Answer: ✔✔ The primary focus of behavioral science is to study and understand human
behavior, including the psychological, social, and biological factors that influence how
individuals think, feel, and act.
Question: Define operant conditioning and give an example.
Answer: ✔✔ Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is shaped by rewards or
punishments. For example, a child who receives praise for completing their homework is more
likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Question: What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
Answer: ✔✔ Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase the
likelihood of a behavior being repeated, such as giving a bonus for meeting sales targets.
Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a
behavior, such as stopping a loud noise when a correct answer is given.
Question: What are the key components of a scientific experiment in behavioral science?
1
,Answer: ✔✔ Key components include the hypothesis, variables (independent and dependent),
control group, experimental group, and method of data collection and analysis to test the
hypothesis.
Question: Explain the concept of classical conditioning and provide an example.
Answer: ✔✔ Classical conditioning is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response. For example, a
dog learning to salivate at the sound of a bell because it has been repeatedly paired with the
presentation of food.
Question: What is cognitive dissonance, and how might it affect behavior?
Answer: ✔✔ Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort experienced when holding
conflicting beliefs or attitudes. It can lead individuals to change their beliefs or behaviors to
reduce the discomfort and achieve consistency.
Question: How does social learning theory differ from traditional behaviorism?
Answer: ✔✔ Social learning theory emphasizes learning through observation and imitation of
others, while traditional behaviorism focuses on learning through direct interactions with the
environment, such as rewards and punishments.
2
, Question: What role do schemas play in cognitive development?
Answer: ✔✔ Schemas are mental structures that help individuals organize and interpret
information. They play a critical role in cognitive development by shaping how new information
is understood and integrated into existing knowledge.
Question: Describe the concept of attachment theory and its significance in developmental
psychology.
Answer: ✔✔ Attachment theory focuses on the bonds between children and their caregivers.
Secure attachment is crucial for emotional and social development, influencing how individuals
form relationships and handle stress throughout life.
Question: What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
Answer: ✔✔ Intrinsic motivation comes from internal rewards and personal satisfaction, such as
enjoying a hobby. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures, such as
receiving a paycheck or praise.
Question: How does the concept of self-efficacy influence behavior?
Answer: ✔✔ Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific tasks. Higher self-
efficacy can lead to greater effort and persistence, while lower self-efficacy may result in
avoidance of challenging tasks and reduced performance.
3
