If an organism expects its favorite reinforcer but receives a less-preferred reinforcer, the phenomenon of _____ predicts that the organism may respond less than if it had received that less-preferred reinforcer at the start.
A) negative contrast
B) negative reinforcement
C) negative behavior
D) negative correlation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative contrast refers to the phenomenon where an organism shows a reduced response to a stimulus (in this case, a less-preferred reinforcer) after expecting a more preferred stimulus. This occurs because the organism compares the less-preferred reinforcer to the expected, more preferred one, resulting in disappointment or reduced motivation.

If an Organism Expects Its Favorite Reinforcer but Receives a Less-Preferred