Which is the MOST plausible hypothesis?

Narrative recording indicates the following:

Sequence #1:

As Dad goes to change Rita’s diaper, Mike screams. Dad puts Rita down, moves towards Mike, and tells him "be quiet."

Sequence #2:

Mom is sitting next to Mike when the phone rings. She gets up, answers the phone, and starts talking to a friend. Mike starts screaming. Mom tells the friend good-bye and hangs up the phone. She then goes to Mike and tells him to stop screaming.

Which is the MOST plausible hypothesis? Mom and Dad’s behavior is most likely
A .  being negatively reinforced by escape.
B .  being positively reinforced by attention.
C .  elicited by separation anxiety.
D .  evoked by feelings of jealousy.

View Answer

Answer: A