Avoidance Learning Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Mowrer's Theory

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 👨‍🏫 Two-Factor Theory: Proposed by O. Hobart Mowrer, explains avoidance learning through classical and operant conditioning.
• 🔔 Classical Conditioning (Fear): A neutral stimulus (e.g., a tone) becomes associated with an aversive stimulus (e.g., a shock), leading to a fear response.
• 🏃 Operant Conditioning (Avoidance): Performing an action (e.g., jumping over a barrier) reduces or prevents the feared stimulus, reinforcing the avoidance behavior.
• 📉 Factor 1: Classical conditioning Acquisition of fear through pairing of neutral stimulus (CS) with aversive stimulus (US).
• 🏃 Factor 2: Operant conditioning Reduction of fear by avoidance behavior, reinforcing the response.
• 💡 Avoidance Paradox: The challenge of explaining how avoidance responses are maintained if the aversive stimulus never occurs.
• 🧠 Applications: Understanding phobias, anxiety disorders, and compulsive behaviors.

📝 Practice Quiz

1. What are the two types of conditioning that Mowrer's two-factor theory combines?
   1. A. Observational and Cognitive
   2. B. Classical and Operant
   3. C. Social and Emotional
   4. D. Instinctual and Reflexive


2. In Mowrer's theory, what is the initial stage of learning avoidance?
   1. A. Punishment
   2. B. Classical Conditioning
   3. C. Negative Reinforcement
   4. D. Shaping


3. According to Mowrer, what motivates the avoidance response?
   1. A. Desire for reward
   2. B. Reduction of fear
   3. C. Social pressure
   4. D. Curiosity


4. What is the role of the neutral stimulus in the classical conditioning component?
   1. A. To elicit a positive emotion
   2. B. To predict the aversive stimulus
   3. C. To block the aversive stimulus
   4. D. To create confusion


5. Which of the following is an example of avoidance behavior explained by Mowrer's theory?
   1. A. Eating when hungry
   2. B. Studying for an exam
   3. C. Avoiding a street where you were once mugged
   4. D. Sleeping when tired


6. What is the "avoidance paradox" that Mowrer's theory attempts to explain?
   1. A. Why people sometimes seek out danger
   2. B. Why avoidance responses persist even when the aversive stimulus is absent
   3. C. Why rewards can sometimes decrease behavior
   4. D. Why punishments are ineffective


7. How does operant conditioning maintain avoidance behavior in Mowrer's theory?
   1. A. By providing a tangible reward
   2. B. By removing the fear-inducing stimulus
   3. C. By creating a new association with a positive stimulus
   4. D. By increasing cognitive awareness