Chapter 13
Behaviorism
1. The initial reception of behaviorism within psychology was
a. enthusiastic.
b. cool or even grudging.
c. enthusiastic, especially among the older psychologists, but the younger psychologists were
guarded.
d. cool in America, but enthusiastic in Europe.
Answer: b. cool or even grudging.
Rationale:
Behaviorism challenged prevailing psychological theories and methodologies, leading to a
skeptical or resistant reception among many psychologists.
2. John B. Watson wrote the classic statement of the behaviorist position in an article often
referred to as the behaviorist manifesto. The actual title was
a. Reflexes of the Brain.
b. System of Nature.
c. Animal Intelligence.
d. Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It.
Answer: d. Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It.
Rationale:
"Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It" is the title of the classic article by John B. Watson,
which outlines the principles and objectives of behaviorism.
3. The roots of behaviorism extend back into the Greek philosophy of
a. Leucippus and Democritus.
b. Plato.
c. Thales.
d. Parmenides.
Answer: a. Leucippus and Democritus.
Rationale:
Leucippus and Democritus, ancient Greek philosophers, laid some foundational ideas that
resonated with behaviorist principles, particularly their materialist view of the mind and
emphasis on observable phenomena.
4. Each of the following individuals is an important part of the history of behaviorism
EXCEPT
a. Julien Offray de la Mettrie
b. Etienne Bonnot de Condillac
c. Claude-Adrien Helvétius
d. Immanuel Kant
Answer: d. Immanuel Kant
Rationale:
Immanuel Kant was not directly associated with behaviorism; he was a philosopher known
for his work in epistemology and metaphysics.
5. Commonly regarded as the founder of Russian physiology, _________ wrote Reflexes of
the Brain, a book that argued for an objective approach to psychological problems.
a. Ivan Sechenov
b. Ivan Pavlov
c. Vladimir M. Bekhterev
d. Konstantin N. Kornilov
Answer: a. Ivan Sechenov
Rationale:
Ivan Sechenov is often considered the founder of Russian physiology and his book "Reflexes
of the Brain" advocated for an objective approach to psychology, influencing later
behaviorists like Ivan Pavlov.
6. Ivan Pavlov won the Nobel Prize for his work on
a. conditioning.
b. people with mental illnesses.
c. digestion.
d. reflexes.
Answer: c. digestion.
Rationale:
Ivan Pavlov won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on digestion,
particularly his studies on the physiology of the digestive system, rather than for his work on
conditioning.
7. On the philosophical side, Ivan Pavlov was deeply troubled by the concept of “action at a
distance” because it seemed to challenge.
a. the concept of purpose in behavior
b. formal causation
c. the theory of reinforcement
d. material and efficient causation
Answer: d. material and efficient causation
Rationale:
Ivan Pavlov's scientific worldview was rooted in materialism and efficient causation, and he
was troubled by concepts that seemed to violate these principles, such as "action at a
distance."
8. The most effective conditioning is likely to take place in the procedure that Pavlov referred
to as
a. delayed conditioning.
b. backward conditioning.
c. simultaneous conditioning.
d. trace conditioning.
Answer: a. delayed conditioning.
Rationale:
Delayed conditioning, where the conditioned stimulus (CS) precedes the unconditioned
stimulus (UCS) and overlaps with it, is often the most effective form of classical conditioning
according to Pavlov's research.
9. The dog becomes drowsy or even falls asleep during conditioning. It is most likely, in such
a circumstance, that the psychologist is employing a procedure known as
a. trace conditioning.
b. delayed conditioning.
c. aversive conditioning.
d. backward conditioning.
Answer: a. trace conditioning.
Rationale:
In trace conditioning, there is a temporal gap between the presentation of the conditioned
stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), which may lead to the animal
becoming drowsy or falling asleep during the conditioning process.
10. The CS loses its ability to produce the CR after being repeatedly presented in the absence
of the UCS. Following a brief rest, the CS again elicits the CR. This is known as
a. extinction.
b. spontaneous recovery.
c. disinhibition.
d. experimental neurosis.
Answer: b. spontaneous recovery.
Rationale:
Spontaneous recovery occurs when the conditioned response (CR) reappears after a period of
extinction (when the CS is presented without the UCS), following a rest period. It indicates
that the association between the CS and UCS is not erased but temporarily suppressed.
11. An animal has stopped salivating in the presence of the CS, but may salivate if a sudden
or unexpected stimulus is presented. This is known as
a. disinhibition.
b. paradoxical inhibition.
c. inhibition.
d. spontaneous recovery.
Answer: a. disinhibition.
Rationale:
Disinhibition occurs when a conditioned response (CR) reemerges after extinction when a
sudden or unexpected stimulus is presented, leading to the recovery of the CR.
12. Stimuli similar to the original stimulus may also elicit the CR. Pavlov referred to this as
a. disinhibition.
b. paradoxical inhibition.
c. stimulus generalization.
d. spontaneous recovery.
Answer: c. stimulus generalization.
Rationale:
Stimulus generalization occurs when stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus (CS) evoke
the conditioned response (CR), demonstrating that the organism has generalized its response
to similar stimuli.
13. What was Pavlov's theory regarding temperamental types?
a. He didn't believe in temperamental types.
b. He believed in only two temperamental types, excitatory and inhibitory.
c. He believed in only two temperamental types, introversion and extroversion.
d. He accepted the types advanced by Galen, choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and
phlegmatic.
Answer: d. He accepted the types advanced by Galen, choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and
phlegmatic.
Rationale:
Pavlov accepted the ancient Greek temperamental types advanced by Galen, which
categorized individuals into four types: choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic.
14. Pavlov's general term for the shock-like state his dogs displayed following stress was
a. the psychical reflex.
b. the equivalence factor.
c. ultramaximal inhibition.
d. the paradoxical phase.
Answer: c. ultramaximal inhibition.
Rationale:
Pavlov referred to the shock-like state displayed by dogs following stress as "ultramaximal
inhibition," describing a state of heightened reactivity to stimuli.
15. Following an assault on the nervous system, a dog gives an identical response to a strong
stimulus as well as a weak stimulus. Pavlov referred to this as
a. the equivalent phase.
b. the paradoxical phase.
c. the ultraparadoxical phase.
d. a paradoxical intention.
Answer: a. the equivalent phase.
Rationale:
In the equivalent phase, following an assault on the nervous system, the dog responds
identically to both strong and weak stimuli, indicating a state of heightened responsiveness.
16. Following an assault on the nervous system, a dog gives a weak response to a strong
stimulus and a strong response to a weak stimulus. Pavlov referred to this as
a. the paradoxical phase.
b. the ultraparadoxical phase.
c. the equivalent phase.
d. conversion.
Answer: a. the paradoxical phase.
Rationale:
In the paradoxical phase, following an assault on the nervous system, the dog exhibits
paradoxical responses, such as a weak response to a strong stimulus and a strong response to
a weak stimulus.
17. Political or religious conversions might be explained by Pavlov as illustrations of
a. the paradoxical phase.
b. the ultraparadoxical phase.
c. classical conditioning.
d. the equivalent phase.
Answer: b. the ultraparadoxical phase.
Rationale:
Pavlov proposed that extreme psychological states, such as political or religious conversions,
could be explained by the ultraparadoxical phase, where responses are opposite to what
would typically be expected.
18. In his final years (1933-1936) Pavlov became deeply interested in
a. schizophrenia.
b. depression.
c. problem solving.
d. all of the above.
Answer: c. problem solving.
Rationale:
In his final years, Pavlov shifted his focus to the study of problem-solving behavior,
exploring how animals learn to navigate complex tasks and challenges.
19. Pavlov was interested in disputing claims of
a. insight learning.
b. applications of classical conditioning to humans.
c. operant conditioning.
d. all of the above.
Answer: a. insight learning.
Rationale:
Pavlov was skeptical of claims of insight learning, preferring to focus on observable and
measurable aspects of behavior rather than cognitive processes like insight.
20. A system of behavioristic thinking known as reflexology was set forth by which of the
following?
a. Ivan Pavlov
b. Ivan Sechenov
c. Vladimir M. Bekhterev
d. Konstatin N. Kornilov
Answer: c. Vladimir M. Bekhterev
Rationale:
Reflexology, a system of behavioristic thinking, was proposed by Vladimir M. Bekhterev,
focusing on the study of reflexes and their role in behavior.
21. Which of the following is regarded as an important antecedent of behaviorism even
though he embraced the tolerant spirit and openness of functionalism?
a. John B. Watson
b. Ivan Sechenov
c. Vladimir M. Bekhterev
d. Edward Lee Thorndike
Answer: d. Edward Lee Thorndike
Rationale:
Edward Lee Thorndike, while sharing some principles with behaviorism, such as his
connectionist theory of learning, also incorporated elements of functionalism into his work,
making him an important antecedent of behaviorism.
22. A theory of learning known as Connectionism is associated with the work of which of the
following?
a. John B. Watson
b. Ivan Sechenov
c. Robert Sessions Woodworth
d. Edward Lee Thorndike
Answer: d. Edward Lee Thorndike
Rationale:
Connectionism, a theory of learning based on the formation of associations between stimuli
and responses, is associated with Edward Lee Thorndike's work on the law of effect and his
experiments with puzzle boxes.
23. _____ studied the learning behavior of cats escaping from simple “puzzle boxes.”
a. John B. Watson
b. Ivan Sechenov
c. Edward Lee Thorndike
d. Robert Sessions Woodworth
Answer: c. Edward Lee Thorndike
Rationale:
Edward Lee Thorndike conducted experiments involving cats escaping from puzzle boxes to
study the principles of learning and the formation of associations between stimuli and
responses.
24. In his “puzzle box” experiments, Thorndike witnessed learning that appeared to occur
from
a. trial and error
b. higher order problem solving
c. insight
d. focused effort
Answer: a. trial and error
Rationale:
Thorndike observed that learning in his puzzle box experiments occurred through trial and
error, where the cats gradually discovered the actions leading to escape through repeated
attempts.
25. According to the modified law of effect or Truncated Law of Effect
a. there is reason to doubt that reinforcement plays a role in learning.
b. reinforcement influences performance, but not learning.
c. there is reason to doubt the efficacy of punishment as a means of weakening responses.
d. certain subjects such as Latin and Algebra exercise the mind in unusual ways and have a
general beneficial effect on other kinds of learning.
Answer: c. there is reason to doubt the efficacy of punishment as a means of weakening
responses.
Rationale:
The modified law of effect, also known as the Truncated Law of Effect, suggests that the
efficacy of punishment as a means of weakening responses is questionable, indicating
limitations in its effectiveness.
26. If you want to know English, study English; if you want to know algebra, study algebra.
Such advice would most likely come from someone who believes in
a. the identical elements theory of transfer.
b. the doctrine of formal discipline.
c. the truncated law of effect.
d. the original law of effect.
Answer: a. the identical elements theory of transfer.
Rationale:
The advice reflects the belief in the identical elements theory of transfer, which suggests that
skills or knowledge learned in one context can be transferred directly to another similar
context.
27. The founder of American behaviorism was
a. William James.
b. John B. Watson.
c. Ivan Pavlov.
d. B. F. Skinner
Answer: b. John B. Watson.
Rationale:
John B. Watson is considered the founder of American behaviorism, pioneering the
movement with his focus on observable behavior and rejection of introspection as a method
of studying psychology.
28. After John B. Watson left academia, he had much success applying psychology to
a. education.
b. clinical practice.
c. advertising.
d. all of the above.
Answer: c. advertising.
Rationale:
After leaving academia, John B. Watson achieved significant success in applying
psychological principles to advertising, utilizing behaviorist concepts to influence consumer
behavior.
29. Which of the following definitions of psychology would be most acceptable to John B.
Watson?
a. Psychology is the scientific study of reactions, adjustments, movements, activities, and
behaviors.
b. Psychology is the scientific study of experience and behavior.
c. Psychology is the science of the mind.
d. Psychology is the science that studies mental activity.
Answer: a. Psychology is the scientific study of reactions, adjustments, movements,
activities, and behaviors.
Rationale:
John B. Watson's behaviorist approach focused on observable behaviors and reactions,
making the definition emphasizing behaviors most acceptable to him.
30. The goal of psychology, according to Watson, is
a. to understand the inner workings of cognition
b. to predict and control behavior
c. to understand behavior
d. to find cures for all forms of mental disorder and other human adjustment problems
Answer: b. to predict and control behavior
Rationale:
Watson's behaviorism aimed to predict and control behavior through the study of observable
stimuli and responses, emphasizing practical applications over theoretical understanding.
31. The acid test for scientific method, according to Watson, is that the method
a. be truly public and that it lead to measurable results.
b. be believable in terms of human experience.
c. be broad enough so as not to leave out anything that is a legitimate part of human
experience.
d. be verifiable through introspective analysis.
Answer: a. be truly public and that it lead to measurable results.
Rationale:
Watson emphasized the importance of scientific methods being truly public and producing
measurable results, aligning with behaviorism's focus on observable behavior rather than
subjective introspection.
32. The centerpiece concept of Watsonian behaviorism is
a. sensation.
b. motivation.
c. habit.
d. instinct.
Answer: c. habit.
Rationale:
Habit formation and the influence of learned behaviors on human actions are central to
Watsonian behaviorism, which focuses on observable behaviors and their environmental
determinants.
33. Watson argued that there are only three emotional responses that can be brought forth in
the infant. These are
a. fear, hate, and disgust.
b. excitement, melancholy, and anger.
c. fear, rage., and love.
d. anger, joy, and melancholy.
Answer: c. fear, rage., and love.
Rationale:
According to Watson, infants' emotional responses are limited to fear, rage, and love, which
are seen as innate and observable behaviors influenced by environmental stimuli.
34. Watson's final position regarding instincts in humans was that
a. there are no instincts.
b. there are only two instincts, a life instinct and a death instinct.
c. there are three instincts, maternal, paternal, and self-preservative.
d. self-preservation is the only instinct.
Answer: a. there are no instincts.
Rationale:
Watson rejected the concept of instincts in humans, arguing that all behavior is learned
through conditioning and that there are no innate behavioral tendencies.
35. Thinking, according to Watson, is
a. the highest form of mental activity.
b. usually blind trial and error, but sometimes insightful.
c. subvocal speech.
d. the conscious manipulation of images.
Answer: c. subvocal speech.
Rationale:
Watson viewed thinking as a form of subvocal speech, suggesting that it involves internal
verbalizations rather than abstract cognitive processes or the conscious manipulation of
mental images.
36. Watson's position on applied psychology was
a. that it had best be left to psychiatrists and other physicians.
b. that it was premature in his day to think about it.
c. that it was an extremely important part of behaviorism.
d. to it could be ignored completely.
Answer: c. that it was an extremely important part of behaviorism.
Rationale:
Watson believed that applied psychology, including its practical applications in various fields
such as advertising, was an integral part of behaviorism and emphasized its importance in
shaping human behavior.
Test Bank for A History of Psychology: Ideas and Context
Brett D. King, Wayne Viney, William Douglas Woody
9780205987184
