Jimmy helps his father put away the dishes after dinner.If Jimmy's father wants to increase the probability of this behavior, he will be most successful by praising Jimmy
A) after all the dishes are put away.
B) at bedtime.
C) the next morning at breakfast.
D) the next time that some dishes need to be put away.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By praising Jimmy immediately after he puts away the dishes, his father reinforces the behavior and increases the probability that Jimmy will continue to help in the future. Waiting until bedtime or the next day may not have as strong of an effect as the reinforcement is not as closely linked to the behavior. Waiting until the next time dishes need to be put away may not be as effective as the reinforcement is delayed and may not be directly linked to the previous behavior.

Jimmy Helps His Father Put Away the Dishes After Dinner