Mom and Dad think it is really funny and laugh when their 2-year-old,Bruce,says dirty words.When Bruce is sent home from kindergarten because of swearing,they don't understand why he cusses.Now,when he cusses at home,they ignore the cussing (they don't think it's cute anymore).Laughing in this example is:
A)a positive reinforcer.
B)a negative reinforcer.
C)a primary reinforcer.
D)a neutral stimulus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Laughing is a positive reinforcer because it increases the likelihood of the behavior (swearing) that preceded it being repeated. The parents' laughter was reinforcing Bruce's swearing behavior, leading him to continue doing it.

Mom and Dad Think It Is Really Funny and Laugh