Operant conditioning theorists use the term reinforcement rather than "reward" because
A) one type of reinforcement (negative reinforcement) is actually a form of punishment .
B) the term "reward" implies a desirable consequence, but not all reinforcers are desirable.
C) the term "reward" can refer only to a material reinforcer.
D) the term "reward" can refer only to a social reinforcer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While the term "reward" implies a desirable consequence, not all reinforcers are desirable. For example, if a child throws a tantrum in a store and is given a piece of candy to stop crying, the candy may reinforce the behavior of throwing tantrums in the future – even though throwing tantrums is not a desirable behavior. Therefore, "reinforcement" is a more neutral term that encompasses both desirable and undesirable consequences for behavior.

Operant Conditioning Theorists Use the Term Reinforcement Rather Than "Reward