Final answer:
Behaviorists emphasize the consistent application of rewards and punishments in supporting learning and growth in a young child.
Step-by-step explanation:
Behaviorists emphasize the consistent application of rewards and punishments as critical to supporting learning and growth in a young child. Through operant conditioning, behaviorists believe that positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while punishment decreases the likelihood. This consistent and predictable system of rewards and punishments helps shape and reinforce desired behaviors in children.
For example, a young child might be rewarded with a toy for cleaning their room, which motivates them to continue doing so in the future. Behaviorists also emphasize the importance of supporting natural motivations to learn, as well as the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in increasing achievement in school.
In conclusion, behaviorists believe that a consistently applied set of rewards and punishments is critical in supporting learning and growth in a young child, as it helps shape and reinforce desired behaviors.