What are examples of external reinforcement in influencing behavior?

The choice identifying financial rewards and status as examples of external reinforcement is accurate because these elements directly appeal to individuals' motivations through tangible incentives or social recognition. External reinforcement involves stimuli that come from outside an individual and can influence behavior by providing rewards or incentives for certain actions.

Financial rewards serve as a direct form of reinforcement, as they offer a clear benefit that encourages individuals to engage in specific behaviors, such as working harder or achieving particular goals. Status, on the other hand, taps into social recognition and approval, which can be incredibly motivating, influencing people to align their behaviors to achieve and maintain a certain level of prestige or respect in their community or professional environment.

In contrast, while emotional support from friends, biological factors, mental states, and educational opportunities can influence behavior, they do not fit the category of external reinforcement in the same way. Emotional support is more about interpersonal relationships and internal well-being, while biological factors and mental states relate to intrinsic motivations and psychological conditions rather than external rewards. Educational opportunities can provide knowledge and skills, but they do not directly serve as rewards in the manner that financial and status-related incentives do.