Question

Timmy is in the mall with his mom, and is throwing a fit because he wants her to buy him a new

toy. Embarrassed by the screaming of her son, his mom caves and buys him the toy. In terms of
operant conditioning, what just happened to Timmy?
O he received positive punishment
O he received negative punishment
O he received positive reinforcement
O he received negative reinforcement

Answer 1

Positive reinforcement.

His mom has encouraged the behavior by rewarding him with a toy. This reinforces the behavior (even though it is an undesirable one).