Question

4. Ursula is always getting out of her seat at inappropriate times. You scold her every time she does this, but her behavior seems to be getting worse rather than better. a.From a behaviorist perspective, why is Ursula’s getting-out-of-seat behavior increasing rather than decreasing? Identify at least two possible reasons for the increase. b.How might you decrease her behavior by reinforcing an incompatible behavior? Describe your procedure in detail, specifying the reinforcer and the behavior you will reinforce.

Answer 1

a. Ursula’s getting-out-of-seat behavior increasing rather than decreasing, because she might want the teacher's attention, so when she is being scold she has the attention needed. This would work as a reinforcement to her.

Other reason might be that she is anxious and that is why she needs to move from her seat.

b. The teacher can give a possitive reinforcement every time she stays in her seat. This way her need of attention is put in to the behavior expected.

Step-by-step explanation:

a. For instance if Ursula is looking for attention or to be taken on account, she would continue behaving like that in order to get the attention. This is an example of a possitive reinforcement.

b. When for instance Ursula is seated in her appropiate place, a positive reinforcement would help. If she is looking for attention, she would seat in order to gain attention by doing the behavior that is expected from her. Positive reinforcement good be thanking her, or congratulating her every time she stays seated.