After carrying a step stool to the kitchen, five-year-old Laura is able to reach the Scotch tape dispenser on the kitchen counter. What is the operant in this example?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The operant in this example is carrying the step stool to the kitchen because it is the behavior that is being reinforced by allowing the child to reach the tape dispenser. The tape dispenser itself is not the operant, as it is not a behavior but rather an object that is being sought after. The image of the step stool in the child's mind and the age of the child are not operants, as they are not behaviors being reinforced or changed through a conditioning process.

After Carrying a Step Stool to the Kitchen, Five-Year-Old Laura