Multiple choice

In a study of punishment, shock is administered to a hamster through a wire grid on the bottom of the cage. To the researcher's surprise, the hamster learns to roll on its back when shocked so that its fur insulates it from the shock. The hamster's response demonstrates

  1. positive reinforcement

  2. negative reinforcement

  3. discovery learning

  4. cognitive learning
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This is negative reinforcement - the REMOVAL of an aversive stimulus (shock) increases the behavior (rolling on back). The hamster learns to roll because this behavior terminates the shock, making rolling more likely in the future. Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior through taking away something unpleasant.

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