Each time 3-year-old Maddy uses her potty chair, her father puts a sticker on a chart. After earning five stickers, Maddy gets to pick out a small toy at the store. Which approach is Maddy's father using to increase the likelihood that Maddy will continue to use the potty chair?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maddy's father is using reinforcement, specifically positive reinforcement, to increase the likelihood that Maddy will continue to use the potty chair. By providing a desirable outcome (getting to pick out a small toy) after Maddy uses the potty chair and earns five stickers, her father is reinforcing the behavior of using the potty chair. Bribery involves offering a reward ahead of time to manipulate behavior, while classical conditioning and social learning involve different methods of learning and behavior modification.

Each Time 3-Year-Old Maddy Uses Her Potty Chair, Her Father