Free Learning and Motivation MCQs with Answers

• A. reinforcement
• B. habit strength
• C. contiguity of S and R D. S-R connection
• D. None of these

Explanation: Guthrie explained learning mainly through contiguity: when a stimulus and response occur together, that stimulus becomes connected with…

• A. social learning
• B. latent conditioning
• C. instrumental conditioning
• D. instinctive conditioning

Explanation: Operant conditioning is also called instrumental conditioning because behavior serves as an instrument for producing consequences.

• A. positive reinforcement
• B. negative reinforcement
• C. shaping
• D. punishment

Explanation: Punishment is introduced or applied to reduce the future probability of a response, so it does not increase that response.

• A. shaping
• B. omission training
• C. positive reinforcement
• D. continuous reinforcement

Explanation: In omission training, the reinforcer is withheld when the target response occurs, so the response gradually becomes less likely.

• A. B. F. Skinner
• B. Bandura and Walters
• C. Miller and Dollard
• D. J. B. Watson

Explanation: Miller and Dollard first formulated a social learning approach by explaining imitation through drives, cues, responses, and reinforcement.

• A. backward conditioning
• B. punishment
• C. positive reinforcement
• D. negative reinforcement

Explanation: Biofeedback provides information about a normally automatic bodily response and reinforces attempts to bring that response under control.

• A. John Garcia
• B. B. F. Skinner
• C. Edward Thorndike
• D. Edward Tolman

Explanation: Thorndike formulated the law of effect, which states that behaviours followed by satisfying consequences become more likely, while those…

• A. trial and error
• B. latent learning
• C. insight learning
• D. shaping

Explanation: Köhler's chimpanzee suddenly reorganised the available objects and understood how to reach the banana, which illustrates insight learning.

• A. classical conditioning
• B. shaping
• C. superstitious behavior
• D. none of these

Explanation: Superstitious behavior develops when someone wrongly perceives a connection between an action and a consequence, often because the…

• A. Harlow
• B. Tolman
• C. Hull
• D. Premack

Explanation: Tolman developed a cognitive approach to learning, emphasizing mental representations and cognitive maps rather than simple…

• A. behavioral
• B. behavior genetics
• C. cognitive
• D. evolutionary

Explanation: The behavioral perspective explains behavior through observable responses that are learned from environmental stimuli and consequences.

• A. patterns
• B. consequences of responses
• C. predictability of responses
• D. strength of responses

Explanation: Watson emphasized stimulus-response connections, whereas Skinner argued that operant behavior is shaped by its consequences, such as…

• A. biological
• B. social-cultural
• C. behavioral
• D. cognitive

Explanation: The behavioral perspective treats habits as learned patterns that can be weakened or replaced through conditioning, reinforcement, and…

• A. Hume
• B. Descartes
• C. Darwin
• D. James

Explanation: Darwin’s theory of evolution encouraged psychologists to explain instincts as inherited, adaptive patterns of behavior, forming an early…

• A. A goal
• B. All other organisms
• C. A homeostatic state
• D. Higher kevels in the hierarchy of needs
• E. None of these

Explanation: Motivation is an inferred internal process that directs behaviour toward a desired goal.

• A. Matching personality with occupation
• B. Promotion practices based on seniority
• C. Having an out going personality
• D. Working alone
• E. None of these

Explanation: Job satisfaction is more likely when a person's interests, abilities and personality fit the occupation, a principle known as…

• A. Positive transfer
• B. Reproductive facilitation
• C. Negative transfer
• D. Reproductive interference
• E. None of these

Explanation: When later learning strengthens rather than weakens memory for earlier learning, it is called reproductive or retroactive facilitation.

• A. Extinction
• B. Reinforcement
• C. Contiguity
• D. Trial and error
• E. None of these

Explanation: Thorndike’s Law of Effect states that responses followed by satisfying consequences become more likely, which is the basic idea of…

• A. Little control
• B. Shift work
• C. High decision latitude
• D. Discrimination

Explanation: Low control is a work-stressor, whereas high decision latitude gives employees more control and usually reduces stress.

• A. Cannon
• B. Beach
• C. Ingram
• D. Anderson
• E. None of these

Explanation: The local-stimulus theory explains hunger through signals arising from the digestive system, especially stomach contractions.