Assignment Number 15
Discussion/Writing Assignment
Chapter 7. Learning and conditioning (244-265)		 Student Name _____________________
Date due: 10-13-04
Introduction to Psychology 101-3
Hal S. Bertilson, Ph.D.
If this paper is late and you believe it may qualify as an excused absence please explain __________________________________
Late papers. Unexcused late papers may be turned in for one-half credit for the written portion of the assignment.
Spacing. Papers must be typed, double spaced.
8-1/2 X 11 paper. In order to make handling papers easy and to ensure that none are misplaced, all papers are expected to be 8-1/2 X 11 inches, stapled, and with no torn, spiral notebook edges.
Conditioning principles. Identify by letter (A-J) the most specific process (furthest down the list) which is illustrated by each example (1-5). Explain how the example fits the definition of that process by identifying the relevant stimuli, reinforcement contingencies, etc.
A. Classical conditioning F. Shaping
B. Operant conditioning (specify which schedule) G. Intermittent reinforcement
C. Punishment H. Extinction (specify classical or operant)................................................
D. Escape learning: The aversive stimulus is present, but can be terminated by an operant response. I. Generalization
E. Avoidance learning: The operant response prevents delivery of the aversive stimulus. J. Discrimination learning

1.

 The Roman writer, Pliny, described an ancient cure for alcoholism in which putrid spiders were placed at the bottom of the problem drinker's wine glass, where she would find them when she drained the glass.
 

2.

 A college man was a baby-sitter for a small boy who liked to hear stories but didn't like to take naps. The first time he took care of him, he told him a story when he lay down near him on the living-room couch. The next time he told him a story after he followed him into his room and lay down on the bed. Later he would tell him a story only after he went to his room and lay down on his own initiative. Finally, he would tell him a story only after he had taken a nap.
 

3.

 A student lives in a dormitory where the shower sometimes suddenly turns very hot. The first time this happens the student gets unpleasantly scalded before she gets the hot water turned down, but later she learns to turn it down almost immediately when the water gets too hot.
 

4.

 The sudden increase in shower temperature in the previous problem is always preceded by the sound of a toilet flushing in the adjacent room. The student eventually learns to turn the hot water down when she hears the toilet flush, before the shower gets too hot.
 

5.

 There are two toilets near the shower and only one causes the shower to get hot. The student learns the difference in the flush sounds of the two toilets and to ignore the "safe:" flush sound.