Sean Is a High School Student Who Seems Angry Most

question 32

Multiple Choice

Sean is a high school student who seems angry most of the time.He often vents his anger by swearing at his teacher.One day his teacher decides to extinguish Sean's swearing by ignoring him whenever he swears.Yet over the next few weeks, Sean continues to swear as frequently as he always has.Three of the following are possible explanations as to why Sean's swearing is not decreasing.From a behaviorist perspective, which one is not a likely explanation based on this information?

• A)Sean's swearing has previously been reinforced on an intermittent basis.
• B)Sean is being reinforced for swearing by means of the Premack Principle.
• C)Other students are reinforcing Sean's swearing.
• D)Swearing allows Sean to release pent-up anger, so he is being negatively reinforced.

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Definitions:

Actual Inflation

The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, eroding purchasing power.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate is the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment.

Expected Inflation

The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is anticipated to rise over a specified period.

Actual Inflation

The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, purchasing power is falling, as it is currently being measured or experienced in the economy.