Question

Caleb, the owner of a small garage, is particular about paying his employees more than they ask for. He believes that this action will prevent his employees from leaving the organization due to job dissatisfaction. In this scenario, Caleb is using _____ in operant conditioning to ensure a desired outcome.

Answer 1

Answer: negative reinforcement

Explanation:

Negative reinforcement originated by B. F. Skinner in his theory of operant conditioning. In negative reinforcement, a negative outcome is either removed, stopped or avoided by strengthening a response or behaviour. Also known as aversive stimuli.

Behaviors are negatively reinforced when they allow you to run away from aversive stimuli that are already present or allow you to completely prevent the aversive stimuli before they happen. Deciding to take an umbrella before the rain starts because you have been informed it might rain today is an example of negative reinforcement. You engage in an action in order to avoid a negative result.