Psychology in Modules
Psychology in Modules
12th Edition
ISBN: 9781319050610
Author: David G. Myers, C. Nathan DeWall
Publisher: Worth Publishers
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 21, Problem 1MM
Summary Introduction

Concept introduction: Behavior is the capacity of an animal to learn through experience. Behavioral ecology is the study of how natural selection shapes the behavior of an organism. In operant conditioning, the conditioned behavior will be gradually modified by the consequences, as the animal responds to the stimulus.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1MM

Correct answer: Thorndike’s law of effect was the basis for Skinner’s work on operant conditioning and behavior control.

Explanation of Solution

Skinner and other psychologists elaborated Thorndike’s law of effect. The law of effect states that “responses produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again and responses produce a discomforting effect become less likely to occur”. Using this law, Skinner developed the principles for behavior control. It explains that a positive behavior increases the likelihood and it is called the positive reinforcement. A negative reinforcement is a negative behavior that leads to an undesired behavior. If the positive reinforcement is not existed, the behavior became extinct. Thus, Skinner concluded that the escape-avoidance behavior arises when they are conditioned by the effect of certain stimuli and on the negative consequences, they continue the expected behavior. Thus, Skinner’s hypothesis is based on Thorndike’s law of effect.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Text book image
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning