One main difference between bribery and reinforcement in operant conditioning is the timing of the consequence in relation to the behavior. Which of the following best describes this difference?

• A. Bribery is used only in animal training, while reinforcement is used only with humans.
• B. Bribery and reinforcement are both given after the behavior, but bribery uses negative consequences.
• C. Reinforcement is always unintentional, while bribery is always intentional.
• D. Reinforcement is given after the desired behavior occurs, while bribery is offered before the behavior to influence it.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of reinforcement in operant conditioning. Reinforcement is a consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.
2. Step 2: Recognize that reinforcement is typically given after the desired behavior has occurred, serving as a reward or positive consequence to strengthen that behavior.
3. Step 3: Understand the concept of bribery in the context of behavior. Bribery involves offering a reward or incentive before the behavior occurs, with the intention of influencing or persuading the individual to perform the behavior.
4. Step 4: Compare the timing of the consequence in both cases: reinforcement happens after the behavior, while bribery is offered before the behavior to encourage it.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the key difference lies in the timing and intention: reinforcement strengthens behavior by following it, whereas bribery attempts to influence behavior by preceding it.