What is the likely consequence when Tony says "Mommy!" and receives a hug from his mother, then repeats this with his father?

The scenario illustrates the principle of reinforcement in behavior analysis, specifically how behavior can be shaped by the consequences that follow it. When Tony calls out "Mommy!" and receives a hug, this response serves as positive reinforcement, encouraging him to repeat the behavior, as the hug is a rewarding outcome for him.

When he subsequently calls out to his father, the expected response that aligns with the reinforcement concept should be a positive one, such as a hug or another affectionate gesture. Therefore, if his father does not respond at all, or if his father chooses to ignore the request, it would not create the reinforcing effect that Tony experienced from his mother. This lack of response would generally lead to a potential decrease or extinction of the behavior, as there is no reward to maintain it.

The correct answer differs fundamentally because it emphasizes that the absence of any rewarding response from his father means Tony won't receive the reinforcement he anticipates. In essence, ignoring or failing to respond would signal to Tony that saying "Mommy!" does not consistently yield positive interactions with every parent, thus leading to the behavior's reduction over time.