Each time Marissa takes her 3-year-old son, Javier, to the grocery store, he asks for candy or a toy. When Marissa tells Javier "no," he throws a tantrum until she gives in and lets him have the requested item. Using the concept of operant conditioning, explain why Marissa is actually increasing the likelihood that Javier will continue to throw tantrums on future trips to the store.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers to this question may vary slightly: Although she likely does not realize it, Marissa is actually rewarding Javier's behavior through both positive and negative reinforcement. Javier has learned that tantrums are a method of getting what he wants. Each time Marissa gives in, she is positively reinforcing the tantrum. At the same time, the desired item stops the tantrum, which is negatively reinforcing to Javier. As a result, Marissa is increasing the likelihood that Javier will continue to throw tantrums at the store when told that he cannot have candy or a toy.
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