Joanne does not want to go to school because she didn’t do her calculus homework and isn’t ready for her test. She tells her mother that she has a terrible headache. Her mother shows concern, agrees to let her stay home, and makes Joanne her favorite breakfast. Define all of the following terms and explain how each applies to this situation.

Complete Question:

Define all of the following terms and explain how each applies to this situation.

• Operant conditioning

• Primary reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement

Operant conditioning is defined as a technique of behavior modification through positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative punishment.

She experiences operant conditioning when she is not ready for the test because she didn't study. Also when she tells her mother a lie.

→ she didn't want to go to school, made up an excuse and even got a prize for it (breakfast)

Primary reinforcement is a reinforcement that does not depend on previous learning.

Her mother shows concern, agrees to let her stay home, and makes Joanne her favorite breakfast is an example of primary reinforcement.

Reinforcement, or reinforcing stimulus, for behaviorism is the consequence of behavior that makes it more likely. The reinforcement can be positive (through the addition of a stimulus) or negative (through the removal of a stimulus).