A Study of Teen Smoking Is Planned

question 87

Essay

A study of teen smoking is planned. Researchers are interested in collecting data which allow them to draw conclusions about the likelihood, frequency, and longevity of teen smoking. The questions asked include: "What is your gender?" "What is your age?" "Do you smoke (yes or no)?" "How many cigarettes per day do you smoke?" "For how long have you smoked (in years)?" What is the measurement scale for each variable?

---

Definitions:

Negative Reinforcement

A behavioral concept where an unpleasant stimulus is removed following a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Positive Reinforcement

The addition of a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior, making it more likely that the behavior will occur again.

Contingency

Describes a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process in which the strength of a behavior is modified by its consequences, such as reward or punishment.