Every time Theodore decides to take an extra-long, three-hour lunch, his boss makes him stay late to make up the missed work. Eventually, Theodore quits taking long lunches. Theodore's boss is using ____ theory to help Theodore change his behavior.
A) expectancy
B) agency
C) compensation
D) reward
E) reinforcement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Theodore's boss is using reinforcement theory to change his behavior. Reinforcement theory suggests that behavior is motivated by consequences, and in this case, Theodore's boss is using negative reinforcement (i.e. removing an unpleasant consequence - staying late) to discourage Theodore from taking long lunches. This ultimately leads to a change in Theodore's behavior, as he stops taking long lunches.

Every Time Theodore Decides to Take an Extra-Long, Three-Hour Lunch