AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Operant responses can include everything from a rat’s lever press maintained by food, an infant’s crying maintained by maternal attention, and small talk maintained by social companionship.

Detailed explanation-2: -A child is scolded (unpleasant event) for ignoring homework (undesirable behavior.) A parent gives a child a time-out (unpleasant consequence) for throwing tantrums (unwanted behavior.) The police gives a driver a ticket (unpleasant stimulus) for speeding (unwanted behavior.)

Detailed explanation-3: -Negative reinforcement is the termination of an unpleasant state following a response. This is known as negative reinforcement because it is the removal of an adverse stimulus which is ‘rewarding’ to the animal or person. Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior because it stops or removes an unpleasant experience.