Chapter 11 Learning By Observation
1. Some studies have found that human infants can imitate facial expressions before the age
of
a. 3 weeks
b. 3 months
c. 6 months
d. 1 year
Answer: a
Rationale:
Studies have indeed shown that human infants can imitate facial expressions as early as 3
weeks old, suggesting an early capacity for social learning and imitation.
2. If after observing a model, a cat performs a behavior it would have never learned on its
own, this could be classified as an instance of
a. social facilitation
b. stimulus enhancement
c. true imitation
d. either a or b
Answer: c
Rationale:
True imitation occurs when an animal mimics a behavior it has never performed before solely
through observation, indicating a capacity for learning through imitation.
3. If after observing a model, a cat starts performing a behavior it had performed in the past,
this could be classified as an instance of
a. social facilitation
b. stimulus enhancement
c. true imitation
d. either a or b
Answer: a
Rationale:
Social facilitation occurs when an animal's pre-existing behaviors are facilitated or increased
in frequency by the presence of a model performing the same behavior.
4. A cat observes another cat escape from a puzzle box by pulling a string. When the observer
cat is placed in the puzzle box for the first time, this cat quickly pulls the string and escapes.
If the observer cat never had experience with string before, this behavior should be classified
as an instance of
a. social facilitation
b. stimulus enhancement
c. true imitation
d. either a or b
Answer: b
Rationale:
In this scenario, the observer cat learns the behavior of pulling the string solely through
observation of the model, indicating stimulus enhancement.
5. One problem for the theory that observational learning is simply a special case of operant
conditioning is the finding that
a. young children will imitate a model if reinforced for doing so
b. young children will do the opposite of what the model does if reinforced for doing so
c. both a and b
d. neither a nor b
Answer: d
Rationale:
This finding challenges the notion that observational learning is merely a form of operant
conditioning because it suggests that reinforcement doesn't always lead to imitation.
6. The theory that imitation is simply a generalized operant response states that
a. a child will imitate a model only if the model reinforces imitation
b. a child will imitate a model only if the child been reinforced for performing the same
behaviors in the past
c. a child will imitate a model only if the child has been reinforced for imitation in similar
situations in the past
d. all of the above
Answer: c
Rationale:
According to this theory, imitation occurs when a child has been reinforced for imitation in
similar situations in the past, highlighting the importance of past reinforcement for imitation
to occur.
7. Bandura's research on children's imitation of the aggressive behaviors of a filmed model
showed that
a. what a child learns from a model depends on whether the model's behavior is reinforced or
punished
b. how much a child imitates a model depends on whether the model's behavior is reinforced
or punished
c. both a and b
d. neither a nor b
Answer: b
Rationale:
Bandura's research demonstrated that the extent of imitation depends on whether the model's
behavior is reinforced, supporting the idea that reinforcement influences observational
learning.
8. Which of the following is not necessary for imitation to occur, according to Bandura's
theory?
a. attention to the appropriate features of the model's behavior
b. retention of the information gained through observation
c. practice of the observed behaviors
d. all of the above are necessary, according to Bandura.
Answer: c
Rationale:
According to Bandura, practice of the observed behaviors is not necessary for imitation to
occur, as individuals can imitate a behavior after observing it without engaging in practice.
9. According to Bandura's theory, all of the following are needed for imitation to occur
except
a. attention
b. generalization
c. motor abilities
d. incentive
Answer: b
Rationale:
Bandura's theory highlights attention, motor abilities, and incentive as necessary factors for
imitation, but generalization is not explicitly identified as a prerequisite for imitation to
occur.
10. “A person will imitate another when he expects to be rewarded for doing so.” This
statement is most consistent with
a. the theory that imitation is an innate tendency
b. the theory that imitation is simple operant conditioning
c. the concept of stimulus enhancement
d. Bandura’s theory of imitation
Answer: d
Rationale:
Bandura's theory emphasizes the role of reinforcement and incentive in imitation, aligning
with the statement that imitation occurs when an individual expects to be rewarded for
imitating.
11. Mirror neurons are specialized nerve cells that respond
a. both when you perform a behavior and when you see someone else perform that behavior
b. when you recognize a picture you have seen before
c. when you see an object on your left and an identical object on your right
d. when you first see an object and later see its mirror image
Answer: a
Rationale:
Mirror neurons are known for firing both when an individual performs a specific action and
when they observe someone else performing the same action. This phenomenon allows
individuals to understand and imitate the actions of others, forming the basis for empathy,
social learning, and understanding intentions.
12. Research suggests that a child will be more likely to develop a strong achievement
motivation if
a. the child's parents use reinforcement and punishment to encourage the child to develop
high standards
b. the child observes models who have high standards for their own behavior
c. both a and b
d. neither a nor b
Answer: c
Rationale:
Both reinforcement and punishment from parents can contribute to a child's motivation for
achievement. Additionally, observing models who demonstrate high standards can also
influence a child's motivation positively. Therefore, the combination of these factors, as
indicated in option c, is most likely to lead to strong achievement motivation in children.
13. In his research on the achievement motivation of different countries, McClelland found a
positive correlation between
a. achievement motives in children's stories and current economic growth
b. achievement motives in children's stories and economic growth over the next 25 years
c. achievement motives in children's stories and economic growth over the past 25 years
d. none of the above
Answer: b
Rationale:
McClelland's research revealed a positive correlation between the presence of achievement
motives in children's stories and subsequent economic growth over the next 25 years. This
suggests that cultural narratives and values surrounding achievement can influence economic
development over an extended period.
14. Various research findings suggest that parents who use physical punishment produce
children who are more aggressive. Probably the best explanation of these findings is that
a. physical punishment does not work
b. aggressive behaviors are a special case, for which punishment is not effective
c. parents who use physical punishment serve as models for their children
d. aggressiveness is an inherited personality characteristic
Answer: c
Rationale:
Research indicates that children who experience physical punishment from their parents are
more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors themselves. This suggests that observing parental
behavior, including the use of physical punishment, can serve as a model for children's
behavior, leading to increased aggression.
15. If a parent has a child who is showing repeated aggressive behaviors toward other
children, it would probably be most effective to
a. spank the child every time such aggression occurs
b. spank the child after first giving the child a warning
c. use response cost or time-out
d. ignore the aggressive behavior
Answer: c
Rationale:
Using response cost or time-out techniques is generally considered more effective than
physical punishment or ignoring aggressive behavior. These methods provide consequences
for the aggression while also allowing the child to learn alternative, non-aggressive ways of
interacting with others.
16. In the debate about the relation between watching TV violence and aggressive behavior,
a. there is no correlation between aggressive behavior and watching violent TV
b. there is evidence that boys who watch violent TV are more aggressive many years later
c. any aggressive tendencies disappear a few hours after watching TV violence
d. no one has ever conducted an experiment in which children are actually required to watch
either violent or nonviolent TV
Answer: b
Rationale:
Research has shown that there is evidence of a correlation between watching violent TV and
subsequent aggressive behavior, particularly in boys over an extended period. This suggests
that exposure to violent media content can have lasting effects on behavior.
17. Recording children’s television viewing habits early in life and comparing them to their
aggressive tendencies later in life is an example of
a. anecdotal evidence
b. a field experiment
c. a longitudinal study
d. a confounding variable
Answer: c
Rationale:
This scenario describes a longitudinal study, where researchers track individuals over an
extended period to observe changes or correlations between variables. In this case, the study
aims to examine the relationship between early television viewing habits and later aggressive
behavior.
18. The main problem with studies that show a correlation between TV violence and
aggressive behavior in children is that
a. there are few such studies
b. nothing can be done to change what children watch on TV
c. it is difficult to say whether watching TV violence leads to aggressive behavior, or whether
aggressive children choose to watch more TV violence
d. violent characters on TV are often punished
Answer: c
Rationale:
While there is evidence of a correlation between TV violence and aggressive behavior, it is
challenging to establish causality. This is because it is uncertain whether watching TV
violence directly leads to aggressive behavior or if aggressive children are more drawn to
violent content. The directionality of the relationship is complex and difficult to determine
solely from correlational studies.
19. Evidence for observational learning of phobias has been found
a. in people but not animals
b. in animals but not people
c. in both people and animals
d. in neither people nor animals
Answer: c
Rationale:
Research has demonstrated that both people and animals can acquire phobias through
observational learning. Observing others experiencing fear or distress in response to certain
stimuli can lead to the development of similar phobic responses in both humans and animals.
20. Evidence for observational learning in the conservation task has been found
a. in people but not animals
b. in animals but not people
c. in both people and animals
d. in neither people nor animals
Answer: a
Rationale:
Observational learning in the conservation task, where individuals learn to conserve quantity
despite changes in appearance, has been primarily demonstrated in humans. Through
observation of others' behaviors and explanations, individuals can learn to understand and
perform conservation tasks, showcasing the role of social learning in cognitive development.
21. A child's performance on the conservation of volume task
a. improves with age, but cannot be improved by observational learning
b. can only be improved through observational learning if the child is at an age where he or
she is just about to improve anyway
c. can only be improved through observational learning if the adult model gives a verbal
explanation of her behavior to the child
d. none of the above
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d. None of the above options accurately describe the effect of
observational learning on a child's performance on the conservation of volume task. Research
by Albert Bandura and others has demonstrated that observational learning can indeed
influence a child's performance on tasks such as these. Children can learn from observing
others, including adults and peers, without necessarily reaching a particular age threshold or
requiring verbal explanations. Therefore, none of the options presented accurately reflects the
findings of studies on observational learning and conservation tasks.
22. Research on observational learning has shown an increase in actual suicides after suicides
are seen
a. in television soap operas
b. in television news stories
c. in movies on television
d. all of the above
Answer: d
Rationale:
The correct answer is d. All of the above options are correct. Research has shown that
exposure to suicide in various forms of media, including television soap operas, television
news stories, and movies on television, can lead to an increase in actual suicides. This
phenomenon is known as the "contagion effect" or "copycat suicides," where individuals may
imitate suicidal behaviors they have seen in the media.
23. In attempts to use modeling as treatment for socially withdrawn children, it has been
found that
a. graduated exposure to models engaging in more and more energetic social interactions is
effective
b. long treatment sessions are necessary
c. the effects of this treatment decline over time
d. all of the above
Answer: a
Rationale:
The correct answer is a. Graduated exposure to models engaging in more and more energetic
social interactions has been found to be effective in treating socially withdrawn children. This
approach gradually exposes the withdrawn child to social interactions, starting with less
intimidating situations and progressing to more challenging ones. This gradual exposure
allows the child to build confidence and social skills over time.
24. Bandura and his colleagues have examined the effects of different factors in the treatment
of children's fear of dogs. Which of the following factors was most important for the success
of the therapy?
a. the presence of a model who interacted with a dog
b. a pleasant context (as opposed to a neutral context)
c. mere exposure to a live dog
d. a and b were of about equal importance
Answer: a
Rationale:
The correct answer is a. Bandura and his colleagues found that the presence of a model who
interacted with a dog was the most important factor for the success of therapy in treating
children's fear of dogs. The model demonstrates appropriate behavior around dogs, helping
the child learn new coping strategies and reducing fear through observational learning.
25. When Meichenbaum and Goodman used modeling in the treatment of hyperactive or
impulsive children, their goal was to teach the children
a. not to speak in the classroom unless called upon
b. not to get out of their seats without permission
c. to give themselves verbal instructions while performing a task
d. to give themselves reinforcers after completing a task
Answer: c
Rationale:
The correct answer is c. Meichenbaum and Goodman aimed to teach hyperactive or
impulsive children to give themselves verbal instructions while performing a task. This
technique, known as self-instructional training, helps children regulate their behavior by
providing themselves with guidance and reminders during tasks, leading to improved selfcontrol.
26. In video self-modeling, the patient sees a video of himself or herself
a. performing a behavior correctly
b. performing a behavior incorrectly
c. both a and b
d. neither a nor b
Answer: a
Rationale:
The correct answer is a. In video self-modeling, the patient sees a video of themselves
performing a behavior correctly. This technique involves recording the individual
successfully engaging in a desired behavior and then watching the video as a form of positive
reinforcement and modeling. By observing themselves performing the behavior correctly,
individuals can enhance their self-efficacy and motivation to repeat the behavior in similar
situations.
Test Bank for Learning and Behavior
James E. Mazur
9780205864812, 9780205246441
