What is the apparatus called Skinner Box typically used for in learning research?
AStudying observational learning by children watching a film
BStudying classical conditioning of a dog salivating to a bell sound
CStudying operant conditioning of a hungry rat pressing a lever for food
DStudying memory by recalling lists of nonsense syllables
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Studying operant conditioning of a hungry rat pressing a lever for food
1. The chapter explains that Skinner ran his operant studies on rats and pigeons in a chamber.
2. This chamber is named in bold as the Skinner Box.
3. A hungry rat is placed inside and finds a lever connected to a food container.
4. When the rat presses the lever a food pellet drops onto a plate.
5. Over trials the rat learns to press the lever immediately on entering the box.
6. Hence the Skinner Box is the canonical apparatus for studying operant conditioning.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Psychology Ch 5 "Learning", p. 81, Operant/Instrumental Conditioning_
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