According to the response deprivation hypothesis, nail biting can be used as a reinforcer if it
A) falls below its baseline level of occurrence.
B) rises above its baseline level of occurrence.
C) occurs less frequently than the target behavior.
D) occurs more frequently than the target behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The response deprivation hypothesis suggests that a behavior can become reinforcing if access to that behavior is restricted to below its baseline level of occurrence. Thus, if nail biting is restricted below its usual frequency, it can serve as a reinforcer.

According to the Response Deprivation Hypothesis, Nail Biting Can Be