When a parent unknowingly reinforces behaviors she wants to discourage, it results in
A) a negative reinforcement trap.
B) punishment.
C) counterimitation.
D) inhibition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a parent unknowingly reinforces behaviors she wants to discourage, it creates a negative reinforcement trap. This occurs when the parent inadvertently rewards the child's undesirable behavior, which makes it more likely for the child to continue displaying that behavior. For example, if a child throws a temper tantrum in a store because he wants a toy, and the parent gives in and buys the toy to stop the tantrum, this reinforces the child's behavior and makes it more likely for him to throw tantrums in the future.

When a Parent Unknowingly Reinforces Behaviors She Wants to Discourage