According to research on conditioning and aggressive behavior, what psychological principle best explains why some drivers who experience road rage tend to use their vehicle as a weapon?

• A. Observational learning, where drivers learn aggression only by watching movies
• B. Classical conditioning, where the car itself becomes associated with feelings of relaxation
• C. Latent learning, where aggressive driving skills are acquired but never demonstrated
• D. Operant conditioning, where aggressive driving is reinforced by perceived rewards such as intimidation or control

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key psychological principles mentioned: Observational learning involves learning behaviors by watching others; Classical conditioning involves associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response; Latent learning refers to learning that occurs without immediate demonstration; Operant conditioning involves learning behaviors through consequences, such as rewards or punishments.
2. Step 2: Analyze the behavior of drivers using their vehicles as weapons in road rage situations. Consider whether this behavior is learned by watching others (observational learning), through associations with feelings (classical conditioning), or through consequences of their actions (operant conditioning).
3. Step 3: Recognize that when drivers use aggression and receive perceived rewards like intimidation or control, this is an example of behavior being reinforced, which aligns with operant conditioning principles.
4. Step 4: Recall that operant conditioning explains how behaviors increase or decrease based on reinforcement or punishment, making it the best fit for explaining aggressive driving reinforced by rewards.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the psychological principle best explaining the use of vehicles as weapons in road rage is operant conditioning, due to the reinforcement of aggressive behavior by perceived positive outcomes.