Five-year-old Ben is out shopping with his caregiver. He sees a pack of bubblegum and asks if he can have it. His caregiver says "no" because Ben is not allowed to have gum. While the caregiver is not looking, Ben puts the gum in his pocket. As Ben and his caregiver leave the store, they are stopped by the owner who saw Ben put the gum in his pocket. The owner is angry and tells the caregiver that she should give Ben a spanking so he will learn that stealing is wrong. Ben's caregiver is a psychology graduate student. She disagrees that spanking Ben will teach him that stealing is wrong.
In this essay, formulate your argument to the store owner. Your essay must include the following elements:
1. Introductory paragraph
2. Discuss what spanking will teach the child and why this lesson is incompatible with teaching the child that stealing is wrong (1 page).
3. Evaluate the learning models studied in this unit and apply the appropriate model as evidence for your position. Be sure to include a discussion of the theory as well as specific research evidence. Develop a modification program to teach Ben not to steal (3-5 pages).