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Quizzes > Science

Classical Conditioning Quiz: Compare It with Operant Conditioning

Quick, free operant and classical conditioning quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Akshay DivakarUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for psychology quiz on classical and operant conditioning principles on teal background

This classical conditioning quiz helps you check your understanding and see how it differs from operant conditioning in real scenarios. If you want more practice on rewards and consequences, try our operant conditioning quiz for focused items on reinforcement and punishment. For a broader review, explore a general psychology quiz.

In classical conditioning, which pairing leads to acquisition when using delay conditioning?
Unconditioned stimulus occurs and ends before the conditioned stimulus starts
Conditioned stimulus occurs after the unconditioned response
Unconditioned stimulus and conditioned stimulus never overlap or touch in time
Conditioned stimulus begins and overlaps with the unconditioned stimulus
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Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior by adding a stimulus after the behavior.
False
True
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Which term best describes the process of gradually teaching a complex behavior by reinforcing successive approximations?
Extinction
Blocking
Habituation
Shaping
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In classical conditioning, the unconditioned stimulus is the stimulus that elicits a response without prior learning.
True
False
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Negative punishment strengthens behavior by removing an aversive stimulus.
False
True
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Which schedule of reinforcement tends to produce high and steady response rates with no post-reinforcement pause?
Fixed interval
Fixed ratio
Variable ratio
Variable interval
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A stimulus that signals that reinforcement is available for a particular response is called a discriminative stimulus (SD).
True
False
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Operant extinction involves stopping reinforcement for a behavior, leading to a decrease in that behavior over time.
True
False
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Which procedure pairs a conditioned stimulus with a new neutral stimulus so the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus present?
Second-order (higher-order) conditioning
Simultaneous conditioning
Trace conditioning
Backward conditioning
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Fixed interval schedules typically produce a scalloped response pattern with pauses after reinforcement.
False
True
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Which phenomenon occurs when prior conditioning to one stimulus prevents learning about a new stimulus presented alongside it?
Higher-order conditioning
Latent inhibition
Overshadowing
Blocking
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Backward conditioning (US before CS) is generally less effective for acquisition than delay conditioning.
True
False
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What best describes the partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE)?
Intermittent reinforcement yields slower acquisition and faster extinction
Continuous reinforcement always prevents extinction bursts
Continuous reinforcement produces variable response patterns
Behaviors reinforced intermittently are more resistant to extinction than those reinforced continuously
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In operant conditioning, an S-delta (SΔ) signals that reinforcement is not available for a response.
True
False
undefined
Contingency, not just contiguity, is critical in classical conditioning according to Rescorla's work.
True
False
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The matching law predicts that relative response rates will match relative reinforcement rates across choices.
True
False
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Which best describes sensory preconditioning?
Two neutral stimuli are paired; later, one is conditioned with a US, and the other elicits a CR
A salient cue reduces learning about a less salient cue when paired with a US
A CS paired with a CS produces a CR without the US
Prior CS exposure alone slows later conditioning
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Operant superstitious behavior can arise when accidental temporal contiguity pairs a response with reinforcement.
True
False
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In an A-B-A-B design used in applied behavior analysis, the second A phase reintroduces the intervention.
True
False
undefined
Adjunctive (schedule-induced) behaviors often emerge at predictable times around reinforcement under interval schedules.
True
False
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Concepts -

    Understand and explain the fundamental principles of classical and operant conditioning, including unconditioned and conditioned responses and reinforcement schedules.

  2. Differentiate Conditioning Types -

    Distinguish between classical vs operant conditioning by analyzing examples and determining which learning theory applies.

  3. Apply Conditioning Principles -

    Use your knowledge of classical conditioning practice and operant conditioning quiz scenarios to predict outcomes in real-world situations.

  4. Analyze Behavioral Examples -

    Examine classical vs operant conditioning examples to identify stimuli, responses, reinforcers, and punishments in diverse contexts.

  5. Evaluate Intervention Strategies -

    Assess the effectiveness of different reinforcement and punishment methods to shape behavior and learning processes.

  6. Reinforce Terminology Mastery -

    Recall and accurately use key terms related to operant vs classical conditioning psych to improve your conceptual clarity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding Classical Conditioning Basics -

    Classical conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus (CS) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) to evoke a conditioned response (CR), such as Pavlov's bell (CS) predicting food (UCS) leading to salivation (CR). Use the mnemonic "UCS unleashes; CS charms" to recall the sequence easily. This principle is widely documented by the American Psychological Association and university psychology departments.

  2. Mastering Operant Conditioning Fundamentals -

    Operant conditioning focuses on how consequences shape voluntary behavior through reinforcement and punishment, as outlined by B. F. Skinner at Harvard University. For example, giving a dog a treat (positive reinforcement) or removing a loud noise (negative reinforcement) both increase desired behaviors, whereas time-outs (positive punishment) decrease them. Remember "R strengthens; P prevents" to distinguish reinforcement from punishment.

  3. Distinguishing Operant vs Classical Conditioning Psych -

    In classical conditioning, responses are involuntary reflexes triggered by antecedent stimuli, while operant conditioning involves intentional actions influenced by subsequent consequences. A thunderclap causing a startle reflex is classical, whereas pressing a lever for food is operant - classic examples in any psychology textbook or research repository. Keep "antecedent vs consequence" in mind to tell them apart.

  4. Exploring Schedules of Reinforcement -

    Schedules like fixed ratio (FR), variable ratio (VR), fixed interval (FI), and variable interval (VI) determine how and when reinforcers are delivered, with VR schedules (e.g., slot machines) producing the highest response rates. A simple formula to remember is VR = unpredictable rewards, which keeps behavior steady and persistent. Research from leading behavioral journals confirms the power of VR for robust learning.

  5. Applying Conditioning in Real-World Examples -

    From advertising jingles (classical conditioning practice) to loyalty points programs (operant conditioning quiz examples), these learning theories shape everyday experiences. Therapists use systematic desensitization to extinguish phobias, and educators implement token economies to reinforce positive student behaviors. Reviewing case studies from credible sources like university clinical programs will strengthen your command of classical vs operant conditioning examples.

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