Aversive Control

 

Directions:

Study the chart above, then answer the questions that follow each situation:

SITUATION 1: Frankie is a five-year-old who is left under the supervision of his sixteen-year-ol sister, Lisa. Lisa makes Frankie dinner, which he refuses to eat. She tells him that he will get no ice cream unless he finishes his meal, and he begins to cry. When Lisa tells him to stop, he creis harder. Finally, she agrees to give him ice cream if he will stop crying. He does.

1. Whose behavior is negatively reinforced?

Frankie
Lisa

2. What behavior is negatively reinforced?

giving Frankie ice cream
Lisa making Frankie dinner

3. How is it negatively reinforced?

Frankie stops crying
Lisa gives Frankie ice cream

4. Is this escape or avoidance conditioning?

avoidance
escape

SITUATION 2: Frankie and Lisa are alone again, on another night, and they're eating dinner. He pushes his food aside and demands ice cream. She refuses. He contorts his face, ready to cry. She give in.

1. Whose behavior is negatively reinforced?

Frankie

Lisa

2. What behavior is negatively reinforced?

Frankie is going to cry

Frankie is given ice cream

3. How is it negatively reinforced?

Frankie is ready to cry, but does not.

Frankie pushes his food away.

4. Is this escape or avoidance conditioning?

escape

avoidance

Now, can you think of an example of punishment, using the situations above?

Check the graphic organizer to make sure you understand the concepts. Go back to Let's Practice or Just the Facts as many time as you need.

When you're ready - go the assessment page.