In the context of behaviorism, how does a consequence influence a person's behavior?

• A. A consequence increases or decreases the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated in the future.
• B. A consequence only affects unconscious motives.
• C. A consequence has no effect on future behavior.
• D. A consequence determines a person's personality traits.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the basic principle of behaviorism, which focuses on observable behaviors and how they are influenced by the environment, particularly through consequences.
2. Step 2: Recognize that in behaviorism, a consequence is an event that follows a behavior and can either reinforce or punish that behavior.
3. Step 3: Learn that reinforcement (positive or negative) increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated, while punishment (positive or negative) decreases the likelihood of the behavior recurring.
4. Step 4: Note that consequences do not primarily affect unconscious motives or personality traits directly; instead, they shape behavior by modifying its frequency based on past outcomes.
5. Step 5: Summarize that the key role of a consequence in behaviorism is to increase or decrease the probability that a behavior will occur again in the future, which aligns with the correct answer.