The psychologists and teachers at the Center for Special Needs Children have designed an elaborate program that teaches the children how to feed themselves, brush their teeth, and so forth using a carefully designed program of shaping and reinforcement. This is an example of:
A) behavior modification.
B) instinctive drift.
C) classically conditioned responses.
D) biological preparedness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The program described in the scenario is an example of behavior modification, which involves changing behavior through the use of reinforcement and shaping techniques. It is designed to teach self-care skills to children with special needs. Instinctive drift refers to the tendency of animals to revert to instinctual behaviors rather than learned behaviors. Classically conditioned responses involve learning to associate a specific stimulus with a particular response. Biological preparedness refers to the idea that humans and animals are genetically predisposed to learn some behaviors more easily than others. None of these concepts apply to the scenario described in the question as accurately as behavior modification.

The Psychologists and Teachers at the Center for Special Needs