A child who is punished for swearing at home but reinforced for swearing on the school playground is most likely to demonstrate a patterned habit of swearing that is indicative of
A) negative reinforcement.
B) shaping.
C) discrimination.
D) extinction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child is exhibiting discrimination, meaning they are able to distinguish between the different contexts in which swearing is or is not acceptable. The punishment at home serves as a cue to not swear in that context, while the reinforcement on the school playground serves as a cue to swear in that context. This can lead to a patterned habit of swearing only in certain situations. Negative reinforcement, shaping, and extinction do not accurately describe this situation.

A Child Who Is Punished for Swearing at Home but Reinforced