Dr. Out-of-Date is an old-style behaviorist. How would he explain 1-year-old Ned's efforts to be close to his mother at all times?
A) "This child shares a unique emotional bond with his mother."
B) "Ned's behavior is being reinforced because his mother feeds him."
C) "Ned's behavior is irrational."
D) "The behavior of children is genetically programmed."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Out-of-Date is an old-style behaviorist who focuses on observable behaviors and their consequences. According to behaviorism, Ned's behavior of staying close to his mother is being reinforced because it results in access to food (i.e. milk). Therefore, the most likely explanation for Ned's behavior is that it is being positively reinforced by the mother's feeding.

Dr Out-Of-Date Is an Old-Style Behaviorist