Which of the following is an example of non-specific reinforcement? Behavior: child, "cookie;" Consequence: child is given a cookie A. Behavior: child, "cookie;&q…

Question

Which of the following is an example of non-specific reinforcement? Behavior: child, "cookie;" Consequence: child is given a cookie

A. Behavior: child, "cookie;" Consequence: child is given a cookie
B. Behavior: child, "look a plane;" Consequence: mom looks at plane
C. Behavior: teacher, "Go wash your hands;" Consequence: child washes hands and is given a cookie
D. Behavior: child requests a toy; Consequence; child is handed a toy

Answer 1

Non-specific reinforcement is when a consequence doesn't serve to directly increase the likelihood of the initial behavior being repeated. In the given options, the mother looking at a plane when a child points one out is an example of non-specific reinforcement.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of non-specific reinforcement is: Behavior: child, "look a plane;" Consequence: mom looks at plane. This instance does not involve a specific reinforcement for the child's behavior; the mom simply acknowledges the child's interest. In operant conditioning, formulated by B. F. Skinner, a reinforcement is the implementation of a consequence to increase a behavior. Non-specific reinforcement refers to responses that don't align directly with the initial behavior or aren't intended as rewards or punishments, such as a parent looking at an object the child points out but without the intention of reinforcing the pointing behavior.