Question

write 4 original scenarios of operant conditioning, one for each of the basic contingencies. these scenarios must contain the 3 terms of the 3-term contingency. You must also specify the effect the consequence has on the rate of behavior you chose. You must also diagram the conditioning for each.

Answer 1

• Scenario 1

Lily has learned that if she leaves early for school, she can catch up with her friends before the class.

Behavior: Leaving early for school

Reward: Catching up with friends before the class

This is a positive reinforcement because the behaviour (leaving early for work) increases as something positive is received like catching up with the friends increases.

• Scenario 2

When Kaavya talks too loudly or yells, she gets grounded. So she tries to keep the volume down.

Behavior: Talking too loudly or yelling

Punishment: Grounding

This is punishment because the behaviour (talking loudly, yelling) decreases as something

negative (grounding) happens.

• Scenario 3

Charlie’s mother used to give him $10 each time he cleaned the garage.

But lately, she didn't give money so he’s stopped cleaning the garage every single weekend.

Behaviour: Cleaning the garage

Reward: $10

This is extinction because the behaviour (cleaning the garage) stopped as the reward (money) stopped being given.

• Scenario 4

Ramya always finishes his homework before bedtime because his mom lectures him if he forgets.

Behaviour: Finishing homework before bedtime

Punishment: his mother's Lecture

This is punishment because the behaviour (finishing homework) increases as something negative (lecture) happens.