Question

David is used to people doing exactly what he tells them to do immediately after he tells them to do it. He told Jeff to get him a drink, and Jeff refused to do so. After Jeff did not reinforce David for telling him to do something, David started cussing and screaming at Jeff and throwing things. When Jeff still did not get him the drink, David eventually gave up and got the drink for himself.

What two processes are being illustrated in this example?
a) Reinforcement then spontaneous recovery
b) Extinction then resurgence
c) Resurgence then extinction
d) Spontaneous recovery then extinction

Answer 1

In the scenario with David and Jeff, the two processes being illustrated are extinction, where David's demand is not reinforced, and resurgence, where David escalates his behavior before giving up and performing the task himself.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two processes being illustrated in the example with David and Jeff are extinction and resurgence. Initially, David experiences extinction when his demand for a drink is not met with compliance by Jeff; David's expectation for immediate obedience is not reinforced, which leads to his cussing, screaming, and throwing things. This increase in intensity of behavior suggests an attempt at resurgence, as David tries other behaviors that might lead to the desired outcome. Eventually, when Jeff still does not get the drink, David gives up and gets it himself, indicating that the extinction process is indeed taking place. Thus, the correct answer is option (b) Extinction then resurgence.