Question

The more often Matthew is scolded following a temper tantrum, the more frequently he loses his temper.

Answer 1

Answer:    C. Positive reinforcer

Explanation:  Temper tantrum is a phenomenon that occurs in so-called emotional distress, when one is exposed to some negative emotional charge or feeling such as mockery or scolding and the result is an emotional outburst or temper tantrum. Temper tantrum can manifest itself through crying, stubbornness, anger, defiance, violence, etc. The more often this kind of stimulation, i.e scolding, occurs, and more often a reaction such as crying, screaming, stubbornness, etc. occurs. This means that scolding is in fact a positive reinforcement because with more frequent repetition there is also a more frequent response to it in the form of temper tantrum. Although the stimulus itself is negative, the reinforce is positive because with more frequent stimulus, i.e reinforce, behaviour (crying screaming, etc.) in response to the stimulus is increased, i.e it becomes more frequent.