Which statement describes the Law of Effect in terms of future behavior?

Which statement describes the Law of Effect in terms of future behavior?

• A. Behavior changes are driven by punishment alone
• B. Behaviors followed by satisfying effects are more likely to recur
• C. Learning occurs without any consequences
• D. Consequences have no effect on behavior

Answer: (B)

Consequences shape future behavior. When a behavior is followed by a satisfying outcome, it becomes more likely to occur again; when it’s followed by an unsatisfying outcome, it becomes less likely. This is reinforcement in action: positive results reinforce actions, making them more probable in the future, while negative results discourage them. The statement that describes this idea best is that behaviors followed by satisfying effects are more likely to recur. For example, if following a safety drill earns praise or a reward, that action is more likely to be repeated; if a mistake leads to a negative consequence, the likelihood of repeating that mistake decreases. The other options imply that outcomes don’t matter or that punishment is the sole driver, which isn’t consistent with the Law of Effect.

Consequences shape future behavior. When a behavior is followed by a satisfying outcome, it becomes more likely to occur again; when it’s followed by an unsatisfying outcome, it becomes less likely. This is reinforcement in action: positive results reinforce actions, making them more probable in the future, while negative results discourage them. The statement that describes this idea best is that behaviors followed by satisfying effects are more likely to recur. For example, if following a safety drill earns praise or a reward, that action is more likely to be repeated; if a mistake leads to a negative consequence, the likelihood of repeating that mistake decreases. The other options imply that outcomes don’t matter or that punishment is the sole driver, which isn’t consistent with the Law of Effect.