1.) Re-watch the video clip from the Big Bang Theory, “Sheldon Trains Penny.”
The Big Bang Theory - Sheldon Trains Penny
2.) Evaluate what Sheldon is doing to both Penny as well as Leonard. Describe what is going on in the scene in terms of operant conditioning using the
appropriate terminology. 3.) Leonard says, “You can’t treat my girlfriend like a lab rat.” Sheldon defends his actions on sound scientific principles. Is
Sheldon right? Why or why not? 4.) Most likely, no one has treated you like Sheldon treated Penny and Leonard, but there is a high likelihood that you have
learned to behave in a certain manner even as an adult because of operant conditioning. Provide an example of your own adult behavior that was shaped by
operant conditioning principles. Again, using appropriate operant conditioning terminology, describe what happened.
Sample Solution