Chapter 46: Problem 3

Based on research evidence, which of the following might be the best way to reduce the amount of fighting a young boy does? a. Take him to the gym and let him work out on the boxing equipment. b. Make him repeatedly watch violent scenes from the film The Matrix Reloaded in the hope that it will provide catharsis. c. Reward him if he doesn't fight during a certain period. d. Ignore it and let it die out naturally.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Option c, rewarding the boy for not fighting, might be the most effective strategy to reduce fighting according to behaviorism principles and research evidence.

Step by step solution

Understand the options

In the given exercise, we have been given four possible strategies. The first one is to let the boy vent his aggression on boxing equipment. The second one involves exposure to violent scenes, with the hope that it might trigger catharsis, or a release of emotions. The third one involves rewarding the boy for non-violent behavior. The fourth one is to ignore the behavior, hoping it will naturally disappear overtime.

Evaluate the options

Option a might increase the boy's physical fitness but it would not necessarily reduce his aggressive behavior. Instead it might lead him to associate reducing anger with violence. Option b, prolonged exposure to violence, according to psychological studies, can normalize aggressive behavior, making this strategy counterproductive. Option d, ignoring the behavior might not yield any positive results and might even embolden the aggressive behavior further.

Choose the most effective strategy

Option c is related to positive reinforcement, a behavior modification technique. According to behaviorism school in psychology and multiple research studies, reward systems can effectively alter behavior. Whilst not punishing or reprimanding the aggressive behavior, instead rewarding periods of non-violence, can motivate the boy to move towards a non-violent pattern of behavior.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the options

Evaluate the options

Choose the most effective strategy

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