Bill's behaviors in Ms. Kennedy's class are really distracting to other students. For example, he whispers to the boy beside him when Ms. Kennedy is giving directions on how to do any assignment. He flings paper clips at a girl across the room. He makes strange grunting noises that a few classmates find amusing. Ms. Kennedy glares at him or admonishes him whenever he behaves in a distracting way, yet his inappropriate behaviors are increasing rather than decreasing. Which one of the following interpretations of this situation best explains why Bill's behaviors are increasing?
A) Ms. Kennedy is positively reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors.
B) Ms. Kennedy is negatively reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors.
C) Ms. Kennedy is vicariously reinforcing him for the distracting behaviors.
D) Ms. Kennedy is punishing him for the distracting behaviors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bill's behaviors are increasing because he is receiving positive reinforcement for them from Ms. Kennedy. Despite receiving glares and admonishments, his behaviors have not decreased, which suggests that he may be receiving some type of reward or reinforcement for them. It is possible that this reinforcement could be attention from Ms. Kennedy, which is encouraging him to continue behaving in a distracting manner.

Bill's Behaviors in Ms