Chapter 5: Problem 1

Identify the operant conditioning process that is being illustrated in each of the following examples. Choose from: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. When Joan turns the grocery cart down the candy aisle, her three-year-old son, Connor, starts screaming."Want candy! Candy!" Joan moves to another aisle, but Connor continues to scream. As other customers begin staring and Joan starts to feel embarrassed, she finally gives Connor a bag of M\&Ms. Connor is now more likely to scream in a store when he wants candy because he has experienced________.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The operant conditioning process in this scenario is \(positive\ reinforcement\).

Step by step solution

Read the given scenario carefully to understand the situation and the behavior of the individuals involved. #Step 2: Identify the behavior being reinforced or punished#

In the scenario, Connor's behavior (screaming for candy) is the one being influenced. He is more likely to scream in a store when he wants candy because he experienced a specific operant conditioning process. #Step 3: Determine if the behavior is being reinforced or punished#

Since Connor's behavior (screaming) is more likely to occur in the future, we can conclude that his behavior is being reinforced, not punished. #Step 4: Determine if the reinforcement is positive or negative#

To determine if the reinforcement is positive or negative, we need to focus on what is being added or removed in the scenario. In this case, Joan gives Connor a bag of M&Ms which is added to the situation, satisfying his demand. Therefore, the reinforcement is positive. #Step 5: Identify the operant conditioning process#

Operant Conditioning Process

Based on the analysis in the previous steps, we can conclude that the operant conditioning process being illustrated in this scenario is positive reinforcement. Connor's behavior of screaming for candy is more likely to occur in the future because he received a reward (M&Ms) after his action.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Read the given scenario carefully to understand the situation and the behavior of the individuals involved. #Step 2: Identify the behavior being reinforced or punished#

Since Connor's behavior (screaming) is more likely to occur in the future, we can conclude that his behavior is being reinforced, not punished. #Step 4: Determine if the reinforcement is positive or negative#

Operant Conditioning Process

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