instrumental conditioning

any form of conditioning in which the correct response is essential for reinforcement. Instrumental conditioning is similar to operant conditioning and usually involves complex activities in order to reach a goal, such as when a rat is trained to navigate a maze to obtain food. It contrasts with classical conditioning, in which reinforcement is given regardless of the response. Also called instrumental learning; Type II conditioning; Type R conditioning.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

health activities questionnaire

any questionnaire designed to measure an individual’s current repertoire of health-related behaviors. In health care there is an increased emphasis on prevention, and many inventories exist to measure an individual’s compliance with physical activity, dietary control, preventive inoculations, and screening for potential health problems, such as mammography and prostate or colon cancer testing.