Tommy has obsessions about cleanliness and is a compulsive handwasher.Which of the following pieces of evidence would support the view that his obsessive-compulsive disorder is related to operant conditioning?

A) Although his parents have punished Tommy many times for handwashing,he continues to engage in the behavior.
B) Tommy sees his brother engage in compulsive handwashing,so he also engages in the behavior.
C) Tommy experiences a large reduction in anxiety whenever he washes his hands,so he continues the behavior whenever he becomes anxious.
D) Tommy read a sign saying that handwashing helps prevent illness.

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gaivy singh · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Tommy's reduction in anxiety after handwashing, which reinforces the behavior, is an example of operant conditioning. This is because the relief from anxiety (a negative reinforcement) encourages the continuation of the handwashing behavior.

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