Neuringer's investigations into the effect of reinforcement on problem solving suggested that:
A) Reinforcement results in stereotyped behavior
B) Variability in responding is an operant that can be reinforced
C) The use of reinforcement results in highly rigid behavior
D) Stereotypy and rigidity are unavoidable consequences of reinforcement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neuringer's research demonstrated that variability in responding, rather than being a by-product or an undesirable aspect of behavior, can itself be an operant behavior that is subject to reinforcement. This means that if variability is systematically reinforced, animals (including humans) can learn to behave more variably, challenging the notion that reinforcement only leads to stereotyped or rigid behavior.

Neuringer's Investigations into the Effect of Reinforcement on Problem Solving