You often call the computer center for help with your statistics studies. In the morning, dialing 111 will connect you to Dan in the basement, and dialing 444 will connect you to Dave on the second floor. Both are usually good at handling your statistics questions, and you tend to use them both equally. To be fair with regard to the quality of their office environments, Dan and Dave switch offices at mid-day. The last time you talked to Dan, you got very bad advice and failed an assignment. Tomorrow morning, you will dial 444 because of
A) R-O associations.
B) S-(R-O) associations.
C) simple reinforcer devaluation.
D) both reinforcer devaluation and S-(R-O) associations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer involves both reinforcer devaluation and S-(R-O) associations. Reinforcer devaluation occurs because the advice (reinforcer) from Dan led to a negative outcome (failing an assignment), reducing its value. S-(R-O) associations involve the stimulus (dialing a specific number), the response (receiving advice), and the outcome (the quality of the advice affecting your assignment). Since Dan gave bad advice, you're avoiding the stimulus associated with him (dialing 111 in the morning) and instead choosing the alternative (444), which is associated with Dave, to avoid a similar negative outcome.

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