In cognitive psychology, how does a consequence typically affect a person's behavior?

• A. A consequence has no effect on future behavior and is unrelated to learning.
• B. A consequence always leads to the immediate cessation of the behavior.
• C. A consequence only affects involuntary behaviors, not voluntary actions.
• D. A consequence can increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, depending on whether it is perceived as positive or negative.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of 'consequence' in cognitive psychology, which refers to the outcome or result that follows a behavior.
2. Step 2: Recognize that consequences are central to the process of learning, particularly in operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by their consequences.
3. Step 3: Identify that consequences can be either positive (reinforcements) or negative (punishments), and these influence the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
4. Step 4: Note that a positive consequence (positive reinforcement) increases the probability of the behavior occurring again, while a negative consequence (punishment) decreases that probability.
5. Step 5: Conclude that consequences do not always stop behavior immediately nor are they limited to involuntary actions; rather, they modulate voluntary behavior by increasing or decreasing its future occurrence based on the nature of the consequence.