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Improving Academic Performance through Behavioral Psychology

Jack, a high school student, has been struggling with his grades. His parents decide to implement a system to help him improve. Every time Jack gets an A on an assignment, his parents give him an extra hour of video game time. They also start serving his favorite dessert, apple pie, every Sunday night. Jack notices that his younger brother, Sam, who has always been a good student, gets to play video games whenever he wants. Jack starts to pay more attention to Sam's study habits and tries to emulate them.

  1. After a few weeks, Jack's grades start to improve. His parents are pleased and decide to change their reinforcement strategy. Instead of giving Jack an extra hour of video game time for every A, they now give him video game time for every hour he studies. They also start serving apple pie randomly throughout the week, not just on Sundays. Jack continues to observe Sam and notices that Sam takes regular breaks while studying. Jack decides to try this strategy as well.

Group 1

Based on the scenario described, how is Jack using each of the following concepts to improve his grades?

Question 1a

Short answer

Operant conditioning

Question 1b

Short answer

Classical conditioning

Question 1c

Short answer

Observational learning

Group 2

Based on the scenario described, how do each of the following concepts explain Jack's actions?

Question 2a

Short answer

Schedules of reinforcement

Question 2b

Short answer

Variable-ratio schedule

Question 2c

Short answer

Distributed practice

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