The nurse is teaching a client to self-inject insulin. Whenever the cl

QUESTION

The nurse is teaching a client to self-inject insulin. Whenever the client completes a step of the process correctly, the nurse smiles and says, “Good, good, you are learning this well.”

Whose learning theory is this nurse using?
1. Gagne
2. Piaget
3. Skinner
4. Lewin

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 3

This nurse is using operant conditioning, a theory developed by Skinner. In this approach, the nurse reinforces desired responses by giving positive feedback. Gagne’s theory explains information processing. Piaget’s theory discusses the phases of cognitive development. Lewin’s theory is focused on change.