This question is missing the options. I've found the complete question online. It is a follows:
While watching television, Jason comes across an advertisement on a new soft drink brand. This advertisement reminds him that he is thirsty and wants to buy a beverage. In the context of reinforcement theory, the advertisement
serves as a(n) _____.
a. orienting reflex
b. stimulus
c. heuristic
d. cognitive map
Answer:
In the context of reinforcement theory, the advertisement serves as a(n) b. stimulus
.
Explanation:
In reinforcement theory, a stimulus is any external event that leads to a change in behavior, a response. Stimuli can actually be used to condition certain desired behaviors in animals and people by being paired up in ways that lead to specific responses. In the case described in the passage, Jason was led to feel the urge to buy a beverage because of the ad. Jason's behavior was a response to the ad, which means the ad itself is a stimulus.
