What does the Premack principle state regarding behavior?

What does the Premack principle state regarding behavior?

• A. Low probability behavior should always be reinforced.
• B. High probability behavior is only rewarded after low probability behavior.
• C. Reinforcement is based solely on verbal prompts.
• D. High probability behavior has no relation to low probability behavior.

Answer: (B)

The Premack principle, developed by David Premack, states that a more probable behavior can be used to reinforce a less probable behavior. Essentially, this means that engaging in a favored activity (high probability behavior) can be contingent upon completing a less favored activity (low probability behavior). The correct answer emphasizes this interaction between behaviors, where the reinforcement of the less preferred behavior occurs only after the more preferred behavior is performed. This principle highlights the concept of using a person's preferences to motivate them to engage in less desirable tasks. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects the fundamental idea behind the Premack principle in behavior analysis.

The Premack principle, developed by David Premack, states that a more probable behavior can be used to reinforce a less probable behavior. Essentially, this means that engaging in a favored activity (high probability behavior) can be contingent upon completing a less favored activity (low probability behavior). The correct answer emphasizes this interaction between behaviors, where the reinforcement of the less preferred behavior occurs only after the more preferred behavior is performed. This principle highlights the concept of using a person's preferences to motivate them to engage in less desirable tasks. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects the fundamental idea behind the Premack principle in behavior analysis.