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Which of the following strategies for behavioral change refers to seeking to avoid an unpleasant condition or outcome by following a desired behavior?

a) Negative reinforcement
b) Positive punishment
c) Avoidance learning
d) Extinction

User Safiyyah
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

It is closely related to A) negative reinforcement, which increases behavior frequency by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strategy for behavioral change that involves seeking to avoid an unpleasant condition or outcome by following a desired behavior is known as avoidance learning. This type of learning occurs when a behavior is reinforced through the avoidance of a negative or unpleasant stimulus. In the context of operant conditioning, negative reinforcement is a similar concept whereby an undesirable stimulus is removed after the desired behavior is exhibited, which subsequently increases the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future. An example of negative reinforcement would be a car making a 'beep, beep, beep' noise until the seatbelt is fastened, hence reinforcing the action of buckling up. However, this is not to be confused with punishment, which always aims to decrease a behavior.

Avoidance learning is a concept from a behaviorist theory of learning called operant conditioning (Skinner, 1953). In operant conditioning, it is believed that learning can be optimized by providing stimuli (in the form of rewards and punishments). People change their behaviors in order to maximize reward and minimize punishment.

User Sean Pearce
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