Good grades are reinforcing to some children but not to others. Someone explaining this fact from an operant conditioning perspective would say that good grades are most likely to be reinforcers to children who:
A) Have been told that good grades can help them get a scholarship
B) Have previously associated grades with other reinforcers
C) Come from middle-socioeconomic backgrounds
D) Have never received a grade above C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From an operant conditioning perspective, behaviors are more likely to be repeated if they are followed by positive consequences or reinforcers. If children have previously associated good grades with other forms of positive reinforcement (e.g., praise from parents, rewards, or privileges), they are more likely to find good grades reinforcing. This association makes the grades themselves a form of positive reinforcement, encouraging the behavior (studying, completing assignments) that leads to good grades.

Good Grades Are Reinforcing to Some Children but Not to Others