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Multiple Choice
According to B. F. Skinner's research on operant conditioning, what did he conclude about the relative effectiveness of reinforcements and punishments in shaping behavior?
A
Punishments are more effective than reinforcements for establishing long-term behavioral change.
B
Reinforcements are generally more effective than punishments for increasing desired behaviors.
C
Both reinforcements and punishments are equally effective in shaping behavior.
D
Neither reinforcements nor punishments have a significant impact on behavior according to Skinner.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the key concepts of operant conditioning as proposed by B. F. Skinner, which involves learning through consequences of behavior, specifically reinforcements and punishments.
Step 2: Define reinforcement as any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring, and punishment as any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.
Step 3: Review Skinner's research findings that reinforcements tend to be more effective in encouraging and maintaining desired behaviors over time compared to punishments.
Step 4: Recognize that punishments may suppress unwanted behavior temporarily but are less effective for long-term behavioral change and can have negative side effects.
Step 5: Conclude that Skinner emphasized the use of reinforcements as a more reliable and positive method for shaping and sustaining behavior.