Having children wait for marshmallows is a classic study that demonstrates which psychological concept?

• A. Attachment styles
• B. Operant conditioning
• C. Delayed gratification
• D. Object permanence

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key elements of the study: children are asked to wait for marshmallows, which involves resisting an immediate reward in order to receive a larger reward later.
2. Recall the psychological concepts listed: Attachment styles, Operant conditioning, Delayed gratification, and Object permanence.
3. Understand that Attachment styles relate to emotional bonds between children and caregivers, which is not the focus here.
4. Recognize that Operant conditioning involves learning through rewards and punishments, but the marshmallow test specifically measures the ability to delay gratification rather than conditioning.
5. Conclude that the study primarily demonstrates the concept of Delayed gratification, which is the ability to resist an immediate reward in favor of a later, often greater, reward.