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x has been feeling particularly sad lately. To cope with these feelings, Alex often drinks alcohol. Alex reportedly feels numb after drinking alcohol.
hol whenever feeling sad to "numb out the pain." How does operant conditioning explain Alex's behavior?
- Alex drinks alcohol as positive reinforcement because it provides immediate pleasure, which increases the likelihood of drinking when feelings
Alex drinks alcohol as negative reinforcement because it removes the unpleasant feelings of sadness, making it more likely that Alex will conti
Alex drinks alcohol as punishment because it adds to the negative feelings, which should decrease the likelihood of drinking.
The sight of alcohol has become associated with relief from sadness, leading Alex to drink when feeling sad.