Zack has been wetting the bed. A special pad is placed under him while he is sleeping. If the pad becomes wet, a circuit closes, causing a bell to ring. After several repetitions, Zack learns to wake up before wetting the pad. Over time, Zack stops wetting the bed altogether. This is an example of the application of what theory to the treatment of bed-wetting?
A) Psychodynamic theory
B) Psychosocial theory
C) Cognitive theory
D) Learning theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario is an example of the application of learning theory, specifically operant conditioning. The bell that rings when the pad gets wet acts as a stimulus for Zack to wake up and avoid wetting the bed, thereby learning a new behavior through reinforcement.

Zack Has Been Wetting the Bed