When a young child yells and throws toys ("temper tantrum"), the parents give the child a good deal of attention. As time goes on, the temper tantrums become more and more common. A behavioral psychologist would say that the temper tantrums result from:
A) unresolved intrapsychic conflict.
B) operant conditioning.
C) unconditional positive regard.
D) neurotransmitter imbalances.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The behavioral psychologist would attribute the temper tantrums to operant conditioning, where the child's behavior (throwing toys and yelling) is reinforced by attention from the parents, leading to an increase in the frequency of the behavior.

When a Young Child Yells and Throws Toys ("Temper Tantrum")