Skinner's definition of a reinforcer and the matching law both can be characterized as circular because
A) the subjects determine what is reinforcing and which schedule options they prefer.
B) they appeal to internal, cognitive factors such as desire or liking (reward) and choice or self-control (matching).
C) they describe the empirical relationship between the behavior and the outcome, but not why or how a reinforcer and the matching take place.
D) the researcher selects which outcomes and schedules will be used in the experiment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skinner's definition of a reinforcer and the matching law are considered circular because they describe the observable relationship between behavior and its consequences without explaining the underlying mechanisms that cause these relationships.

Skinner's Definition of a Reinforcer and the Matching Law Both