Question

To avoid losing any data on his computer, Tom consistently backs up his computer data to a second hard drive. Using operant conditioning terms, if Tom losses his data, but then retrieves it from a second hard-drive, this behavior of backing up his data to a second hard drive is an example of _____. positive reinforcement positive reinforcement by escape negative reinforcement punishment

Answer 1

Answer: negative reinforcement by escape

Explanation: Negative reinforcement occurs when a disliked or aversive stimulus is prevented or altered or stopped. The scenario above describes negative reinforcement by escape which means that an aversive, unwanted or disliked event is removed after it has occurred. Escape is a negative reinforcement and occurs when the aversive stimulus has occurred before being removed. In the context above, Tom was only able to prevent his loss after it has occurred, meaning an escape negative reinforcement.