The parents of a 13-year-old boy would like him to help out more around the house, including doing his share of the dishes. After a meal at which it is his turn to do the dishes, he first refuses, pleading that he has other things to do that are more important. Frustrated, with his refusal, his parents start yelling at him and continue until he complies with their request. But as he washes, the dishes, his mother notices that he is doing a very poor job, so she relieves him of his duty and finished the job herself. What type of reinforcement did the parents use to gain the boy’s compliance? What behaviors of the parents did the boy reinforce by complying with their request?
What behavior did the mother inadvertently strengthen by relieving the boy of his chores?
Based on your reading of the material, how would you suggest this family change these reinforcement patterns?