Asked by Alliah Shaine Camayodo on Sep 27, 2024

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Which of the following is the best example of Burgess and Akers's Differential Reinforcement theory?

A) Ann is fined for shoplifting one day. To get back at the store,she starts to shoplift more and more expensive items.
B) Having been fired from a job for drinking during his shift,Derek begins to drink more heavily during the week.
C) Having been rewarded with good grades for studying hard in the past,Trae continues to study hard today.
D) Having been given poor grades for not studying enough in the past,Pam loses motivation to study entirely.

Differential Reinforcement Theory

A psychological theory that suggests behavior is either encouraged or discouraged through rewards and punishments, and can be applied to understanding criminal behavior.

Shoplifting

The process of shoplifting involves removing items from a commercial business without compensating for them.

  • Absorb the various theoretical frameworks that explain the origins and steadfastness of deviance and crime.
  • Assess the effectiveness and consequences of applying differential reinforcement to modify deviant behavior.
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Samuel Tuckerabout 7 hours ago
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
This is the best example of differential reinforcement theory as Trae's behavior (studying hard) is being reinforced by positive outcomes (good grades) in the past, which continues to reinforce the behavior in the present. This is in line with the principles of differential reinforcement, which suggests that behavior is learned or maintained through the consequences of one's actions. The other options do not demonstrate differential reinforcement as clearly, as they involve retaliation, habituation, or self-destructive behavior.