In order to treat her son's frequent tantrums while out shopping, Ruby put his tantrum behavior on extinction by refusing to buy any treats when he tantrums in the store. This works and her son does not tantrum any more while shopping. Then, suddenly, the tantrum behavior reappears one day while they are out shopping. This reappearance of the previously extinguished behavior is an example of:
A) Reappearance
B) Spontaneous recovery
C) Generalization
D) Extinction burst

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spontaneous recovery refers to the sudden reappearance of a previously extinguished response. In this case, the son's tantrum behavior, which had stopped due to Ruby's intervention, unexpectedly reoccurs, fitting the definition of spontaneous recovery.

In Order to Treat Her Son's Frequent Tantrums While Out