Which of the following best illustrates a negative reinforcer
A-Nancy learns that she preferred chocolate over vanilla
B-Carmine changes his major to English lit after failing a math exam
C-Copeland gives up candy to stave off chronic acid indigestion
D-On a hot day, Linberg always drinks lemonade
C-Copeland gives up candy to stave off chronic acid indigestion
The best illustration of a negative reinforcer would be option C - Copeland gives up candy to stave off chronic acid indigestion. In this scenario, Copeland is avoiding a negative consequence (acid indigestion) by giving up something he enjoys (candy). This exemplifies the concept of negative reinforcement, where a behavior (giving up candy) is strengthened by removing or avoiding an unpleasant stimulus (acid indigestion).
To identify the best illustration of a negative reinforcer, it is important to understand what negative reinforcement means. Negative reinforcement is a concept in psychology that involves the removal of an undesirable stimulus in order to strengthen or increase a desired behavior. It is a type of operant conditioning, which focuses on the consequences of behavior.
Let's go through each option and find the best illustration of a negative reinforcer:
A) Nancy learning that she prefers chocolate over vanilla does not involve the removal of an undesirable stimulus, but rather a preference for one flavor over another. Therefore, this option does not represent negative reinforcement.
B) Carmine changing his major to English literature after failing a math exam does not involve the removal of an undesirable stimulus either. It represents a decision to pursue a different academic path based on performance. Therefore, this option also does not represent negative reinforcement.
C) Copeland giving up candy to stave off chronic acid indigestion involves the removal of an undesirable stimulus (chronic acid indigestion) by avoiding the consumption of candy. This illustrates negative reinforcement since the removal of chronic acid indigestion reinforces the behavior of giving up candy.
D) On a hot day, Linberg always drinks lemonade. This option does not involve the removal of an undesirable stimulus. It is more likely an example of a conditioned response to hot weather. Therefore, this option does not represent negative reinforcement.
Based on the explanations, option C - Copeland giving up candy to stave off chronic acid indigestion - is the best illustration of a negative reinforcer since it involves the removal of an undesirable stimulus to strengthen the behavior of giving up candy.