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.

---

Definitions:

Price Level

The standard price level for a wide array of goods and services in the economic sector, averaged out.

Dollar Appreciate

The increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.

Dollar Depreciate

A decline in the value of the US dollar relative to other currencies, leading to decreased purchasing power internationally.

Currency Devaluations

The reduction in value of a country's currency with respect to foreign currencies.