Lucy and Ricky, who have been married a long time, are having an argument about whether Lucy can perform with Ricky in his nightclub. Ricky does not want to let her perform, but Lucy keeps asking, more and more loudly. Finally, she starts crying, and Ricky gives in. A social learning theorist would call this a great example of:
A) insecure attachment.
B) negative reciprocity.
C) escape learning.
D) coercion theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of escape learning because Lucy's behavior of persistently asking and then crying to get what she wants (to perform with Ricky) has been reinforced by the fact that Ricky finally gave in and allowed her to perform. She learned that if she acts a certain way, she can escape or avoid the aversive situation of not being able to perform with Ricky.

Lucy and Ricky, Who Have Been Married a Long Time