Classical and Operant Conditioning Scenarios

 

 

Classical Conditioning Scenario 1:

After exercising, before class, Josh likes to take a quick shower at his dorm. One morning while taking a shower he hears someone flushing a toilet. Very hot water comes rushing out of the showerhead and Josh gets burned. After jumping away from water and shrieking, he continues showering. A few minutes later, Josh hears another toilet flush and he jumps out of the shower.

 

1. What is the unconditioned stimulus (US)?

2. What is the unconditioned response (UR)?

3. What is the neutral stimulus that becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS)?

4. What is the conditioned response (CR)?

 

Classical Conditioning Scenario 2:

Aubrey’s family was taking a trip to the Texas State Fair and she was undoubtedly excited. When her family arrived at the fair, the temperature was 105°F, but Aubrey didn't mind because she was excited to ride her favorite carnival ride, the carousel. Aubrey stopped and watched some clowns performing next to the carousel. As she watched the silly tricks of the clowns with the carousel music playing in the background, Aubrey became more and more sweaty and uncomfortable. Eventually, she fainted from the heat. After that trip to the Texas State Fair, every time Aubrey hears carousel musical she feels a little dizzy.

 

1. What is the unconditioned stimulus (US)?

2. What is the unconditioned response (UR)?

3. What is the neutral stimulus that becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS)?

4. What is the conditioned response (CR)?

 

Classical Conditioning Scenario 3:

When Dr. Kurz was younger, her parents bought her a bag of Reeses Pieces candy. This was a special treat because she did not get to eat candy very often. While playing with her toys, she ate the entire bag of candy (no judgement). Shortly after, she vomited. For the next 15 years, when she smelled Reeses Pieces candy, she would immediately become nauseous.

 

1. What is the unconditioned stimulus (US)?

2. What is the unconditioned response (UR)?

3. What is the neutral stimulus that becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS)?

4. What is the conditioned response (CR)?

 

 

 

 

 

Operant Conditioning:

For each of the following operant conditioning situations, identify whether this is an example of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, or negative punishment. Briefly explain your choice.

 

1. A mom spanks her child for stealing cookies from the cookie jar.
2. You clean your room so that your mom doesn’t yell at you.

 

1. You earn an “A” on an exam that you studied for.

 

1. Earning a paycheck.

 

1. Reducing stress by consuming alcohol.

 

1. Sarah talks to another boy at the party. Her boyfriend gets upset. Sarah doesn’t talk to boys at parties.

 

1. Bob forgot to go to the dentist for his 6-month check-up. Recently his tooth started to hurt him, so he made an appointment for the dentist. The dentist tells Bob that his tooth is infected and he will need to take meds and return in a week. Bob returns in a week and his tooth is still hurting. Bob will not go to the dentist every 6 months.

 

1. A child cries for cookies until he gets one. In the future, when the child wants a cookie, she will cry louder and louder until she is given one.

 

1. During mealtime, your 4-year-old has a meltdown and is throwing food across the dining room. You put her to her room until everyone finishes eating. (She is allowed to eat once everyone is done.)

 

1. Ben is a teenager and he decided to sneak out of the house last night. He is grounded for a week.