The parents of 2-year-old Joshua are frustrated with his screaming when he wants something. Which scenario is an example of intermittent reinforcement?
A) His parents always give Joshua what he wants whether or not he screams.
B) His parents always give Joshua what he wants only when he screams.
C) Sometimes his parents give Joshua what he wants when he screams, and sometimes they refuse to give him what he wants when he screams.
D) His parents never give Joshua what he wants when he screams.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intermittent reinforcement occurs when a behavior is sometimes reinforced, but not every time. In this scenario, Joshua's parents sometimes give him what he wants when he screams, and sometimes they refuse to give him what he wants when he screams. This inconsistency in reinforcement can make Joshua continue to scream in hopes of getting what he wants, as he doesn't know when he will or won't be successful.

The Parents of 2-Year-Old Joshua Are Frustrated with His Screaming