Robbie and his Parents’ Dilemma
It is late, and three year old Robbie is alone in his room. His parents had put him to be jus tem minutes ago.
His parents are quietly watching television downstairs. Robbie begins to cry, and after a short time, the crying turns into more screaming than crying.
His parents, hearing him crying and screaming, rush upstairs to his room. His mother hold Robbie in her arms and soothes him. Robbie stops crying after a few minutes, but when his parants leave his room, he starts crying again.
His father thinks that it may be a good idea to let Robbie lie on the couch next to them while they watch television. Robbie is quiet the rest of the evening, falling asleep on the couch.
For a week, Robbie cries every evening, which results in his parents’ taking down to the living room with them until they go to bed or he falls asleep. Robbie’s parents are concerned that he will be unable to sleep in his room any more.
Answer the following questions for the scenario presented:
Learning has taken place for Robbie and his parents. How has learning taken place for the child as well as her parents? Explain in operant learning terms.
If Robbie’s parents asked you for advice on how to ensure that Robbie is able to sleep alone in his room, what would you tell them? Why?