The effect that can produce either an increase or decrease in the current frequency of behavior that has been reinforced by some stimulus, object, or event is the:
options: a) Behavior-altering effect b) Abative effect c) Evocative effect d) Value-altering effect
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a) Behavior-altering effect.
Explanation:
In behavioral psychology, particularly in the context of operant conditioning, the concept of “behavior-altering effect” refers to how a stimulus or event can influence the frequency of a behavior that has been reinforced. Reinforcement can either increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring, depending on the nature of the stimulus or event that follows it.
The “behavior-altering effect” is a term used to describe how reinforcement or punishment can change the frequency of a behavior. If a reinforcing stimulus follows a behavior, it is more likely that the behavior will occur again, thereby increasing its frequency. Conversely, if a punishing stimulus follows a behavior, the frequency of that behavior may decrease.
The term is broad and can refer to both increases (reinforcement) or decreases (punishment) in the frequency of behavior. It is different from the other options in that it directly involves the changes in behavior frequency rather than other aspects of the stimulus or event, like its value or evocative nature.
Other options explained:
- b) Abative effect: This refers to a decrease in the effectiveness of a stimulus in influencing behavior. It relates more to how the value of a stimulus can be diminished, leading to a reduction in behavior frequency.
- c) Evocative effect: This describes how a stimulus can increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring by making the behavior more likely to be emitted, but it does not directly influence the frequency of that behavior over time.
- d) Value-altering effect: This refers to how a stimulus can change the value of a reinforcer or punisher, making it more or less effective, but it does not necessarily alter the behavior directly.
The behavior-altering effect is the most accurate answer because it encompasses both the increase and decrease in the frequency of behaviors that result from reinforcement or punishment.