Whenever she sees a bolt of lightning streak across the sky, Maria quickly unplugs her computer equipment to keep it from being damaged by an electrical surge. Using operant conditioning terms, Maria's behavior is maintained by:
A) punishment.
B) negative reinforcement by escape.
C) negative reinforcement by avoidance.
D) positive reinforcement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maria's behavior of quickly unplugging her computer equipment is maintained by negative reinforcement by avoidance. She engages in this behavior to avoid the negative consequences of an electrical surge damaging her equipment.

Whenever She Sees a Bolt of Lightning Streak Across the Sky