You are a psychologist who is a devout follower of the work of B.F.Skinner.Your young child is trying to learn how to tie her shoes,and in order to help her you give her an M&M every time she gets one step closer to her goal.This strategy - the use of __________ - is the basis of Skinner's theory.
A) reinforcement
B) unconscious bolsters
C) developmental scaffolds
D) unconditional stimuli

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skinner's theory is based on the concept of reinforcement, which refers to the use of rewards or punishments to strengthen or weaken a behavior. In this scenario, giving the child an M&M for getting closer to tying her shoes is a form of positive reinforcement, as it increases the likelihood that she will continue to try and improve her shoelace-tying skills. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. The other options (B, C, and D) are not relevant to Skinner's theory.

You Are a Psychologist Who Is a Devout Follower of the Work