Question

read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.

molly catches her dog chewing on her favorite slippers. molly swats the dog on the nose so that it will not chew her slippers again.

which type of operant conditioning in occurring in the scenario?
a. positive reinforcement
b. negative reinforcement
c. positive punishment
d. negative punishment

please select the best answer from the choices provided

Explanation:

Analyze the behavior and the consequence

The target behavior is the dog chewing on slippers. The consequence is Molly swatting the dog on the nose.

Determine reinforcement vs. punishment

The goal of the consequence is to decrease the likelihood of the behavior (chewing slippers) occurring again. Since the consequence aims to decrease the behavior, it is a form of punishment.

Determine positive vs. negative

An unpleasant stimulus (a swat on the nose) is added or presented to the dog following the behavior. Because a stimulus is added, it is positive. Therefore, adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior is positive punishment.

Answer:

• A. positive reinforcement
• B. negative reinforcement
• C. positive punishment (Correct answer)
• D. negative punishment