Which function is described as a socially mediated reinforcement that provides access to attention from others?

Which function is described as a socially mediated reinforcement that provides access to attention from others?

• A. Tangible
• B. Attention
• C. Automatic
• D. Escape

Answer: (B)

Attention is a social reinforcer because the reinforcement comes from another person’s response. When a behavior is followed by someone giving attention—like talking to, looking at, or engaging with the person—this social interaction strengthens the behavior, making it more likely to occur again. The other options describe different sources of reinforcement: tangible involves obtaining a preferred item, automatic is reinforcement from the person’s own sensory experience, and escape involves avoiding or removing an aversive situation. Since the scenario specifically involves gaining access to attention from others, the function is attention.

Attention is a social reinforcer because the reinforcement comes from another person’s response. When a behavior is followed by someone giving attention—like talking to, looking at, or engaging with the person—this social interaction strengthens the behavior, making it more likely to occur again. The other options describe different sources of reinforcement: tangible involves obtaining a preferred item, automatic is reinforcement from the person’s own sensory experience, and escape involves avoiding or removing an aversive situation. Since the scenario specifically involves gaining access to attention from others, the function is attention.