If a child yields during a toy dispute, the observed effect on future behavior is best described as which concept?

If a child yields during a toy dispute, the observed effect on future behavior is best described as which concept?

• A. Punishment
• B. Extinction
• C. Reinforcement
• D. Modeling

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement strengthens a behavior when it’s followed by a favorable outcome. When a child yields during a toy dispute, the dispute ends and play can continue, which is a positive result for that situation. This makes it more likely the child will yield again in future disputes because the behavior has been rewarded by a smoother, less conflict-filled moment. Punishment would aim to decrease the behavior by introducing a negative consequence. Extinction occurs when the behavior stops because there’s no longer any consequence maintaining it. Modeling is about learning by watching others.

Reinforcement strengthens a behavior when it’s followed by a favorable outcome. When a child yields during a toy dispute, the dispute ends and play can continue, which is a positive result for that situation. This makes it more likely the child will yield again in future disputes because the behavior has been rewarded by a smoother, less conflict-filled moment.

Punishment would aim to decrease the behavior by introducing a negative consequence. Extinction occurs when the behavior stops because there’s no longer any consequence maintaining it. Modeling is about learning by watching others.