MCAT Question

[treeclimbingmonkey]

In operant conditioning studies, the subject’s motivational state is most typically operationally defined by:

A
observing the subject’s behavior over a long period of time.

B
using a type of reinforcement that the experimenter knows the subject usually likes.

C
depriving the subject of some desirable stimulus item for a period of time. (Correct)

D
using a novel stimulus that the subject is sure to like.

Could someone explain why the wrong choices are wrong and the correct ones are correct?

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[DoctorWhere]

Operant conditioning -> means you're considering +/- punishment/reinforcement.

A
observing the subject’s behavior over a long period of time.
- irrelevant to punishment/reinforcement

B
using a type of reinforcement that the experimenter knows the subject usually likes.

C
depriving the subject of some desirable stimulus item for a period of time. (Correct)

D
using a novel stimulus that the subject is sure to like.
- Novel stimulus is related to classical conditioning (contrast novel with familiar)

 

[treeclimbingmonkey]

Thank you very much!