Bill's behaviors in Ms.Kennedy's class are really distracting to other students.For example, he whispers to the boy beside him when Ms.Kennedy is giving directions on how to do an assignment.He flings paper clips at a girl across the room.He makes strange grunting noises that a few classmates find amusing.Ms.Kennedy glares at him or admonishes him whenever he behaves in a distracting way, yet his inappropriate behaviors are increasing rather than decreasing.Which one of the following interpretations best explains why Bill's behaviors are increasing?
A)Ms.Kennedy is negatively reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors.
B)Ms.Kennedy is positively reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors.
C)Ms.Kennedy is vicariously reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors.
D)Ms.Kennedy is punishing him for the distracting behaviors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bill's behaviors are increasing because Ms.Kennedy is positively reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors. The attention and reaction from Ms.Kennedy, even if it's negative, is still attention that Bill is seeking. As a result, he continues to engage in the distracting behaviors to receive the attention and reaction from Ms.Kennedy.

Bill's Behaviors in Ms