Chapter 8: Operant Applications and Interpretations

Question 1

Distancing

Answer 1

A self-control technique consisting of staying away from situations that are likely to elicit undesirable behavior.

Question 2

Distraction

Answer 2

A self-control technique consisting of directing attention away from events that are likely to elicit undesirable behavior.

Question 3

Inform others of your goals

Answer 3

A self-control technique in which a person tells others of his or her efforts to change his behavior.

Question 4

Learned helplessness

Answer 4

The failure to escape an aversive following exposure to an inescapable aversive.

Question 5

Learned industriousness

Answer 5

An increased tendency to work hard for prolonged periods as a result of reinforcement of high levels of effort and persistence.

Question 6

Monitoring behavior

Answer 6

A self-control technique consisting of keeping a tally of the number of times the behavior in question occurs.

Question 7

Physical restraint

Answer 7

A self-control technique consisting of doing something that physically prevents an undesirable behavior from occurring.

Question 8

Superstitious behavior

Answer 8

Any increase in the strength of behavior that is due to coincidental reinforcement.