Ian's mother tells him to stop watching TV and do his homework. Ian then begins to whine about wanting to watch more TV to the point that his mother gives in and lets him watch more TV, as long as he stops whining. Consequently, Ian's whining behaviour increases in frequency. What concept does this sequence illustrate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This sequence illustrates a negative reinforcement trap, where the mother allows Ian to continue watching TV as long as he stops whining. This reinforces Ian's whining behaviour, leading to an increase in frequency. Negative reinforcement occurs when a behaviour is strengthened by the removal or avoidance of an aversive stimulus (in this case, the aversive stimulus is the requirement to do homework).

Ian's Mother Tells Him to Stop Watching TV and Do