MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 252: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 252

2. Heather was recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and she has experienced continued weight loss and severe stomach pain. According to Learning Theory, for Heather, her physical symptoms would be considered:

I. positive reinforcement.

II. extinction.

III. punishment.

  • A. I only
  • B. III only
  • C. I and III only
  • D. I, II, and III

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Item I is true: according to Learning Theory, positive reinforcement is an operant conditioning term that refers to a favorable consequence that reinforces a particular behavior. In Heather's case, the physical symptom of weight loss is considered a reward of her eating behavior (because she has AN and weight loss is desirable for her) and is thus a positive reinforcement (choice B can be eliminated). Item II is false: extinction is the process by which the behavior in question ceases due to the absence of a favorable consequence; since the question stem makes no mention of Heather ceasing her behavior, extinction does not explain her physical symptoms (choice D can be eliminated). Item III is true: punishment refers to a negative consequence experienced as a result of the behavior; Heather's stomach pain is a punishment for her eating behaviors (choice A can be eliminated and choice C is correct).

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