Answer:
The answer is A. reinforced; imitate.
Explanation:
The branch of behavioral studies known as operant conditioning states that a conduct is more likely to be repeated if it is reinforced, positively or negatively. In this case, the reinforcement is positive (a reward: consolation).
Negative reinforcement is also possible: it occurs when an unpleasant stimulus is removed after a behaviour is presented. For example, a parent will stop nagging if his/her child cleans up the room.
