About 65 percent of adults over the age of 20 are overweight.Based on what we know about operant conditioning,which of the following may contribute to the problem?
A) Eating is pleasurable for most people (positive reinforcement for eating happens immediately).
B) Punishment (gaining weight)happens over the long term rather than right away.
C) Television and movie stars often seem to eat whatever they want,apparently without gaining weight (observational learning).
D) All of the choices.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All the given options can contribute to the problem of overweight. Eating being pleasurable results in positive reinforcement and increases the likelihood of repeated behaviors, gaining weight happens over a long-term and thus the delayed punishment is ineffective as the immediate reward is more powerful, and observing people around us, especially role models, can influence our behavior (observational learning). Therefore, all options are relevant to the issue of overweight.

About 65 Percent of Adults Over the Age of 20