Questions: Mary has had a rough semester, although every other semester before she did just fine. She thinks to herself, "I can't do anything right!" Mary's thinking is a good example of a(n) a. cognitive schema. b. positive reinforcer. c. cognitive distortion. d. negative reinforcer.

The answer is c. cognitive distortion.

A cognitive schema refers to a mental structure that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemas are not inherently negative or positive; they are frameworks that help us understand the world. Mary's statement, "I can't do anything right," is not a schema but rather a specific thought pattern.

A positive reinforcer is a stimulus that, when presented after a behavior, increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. This option is not relevant to Mary's thought process, as it does not describe a reinforcement mechanism.

Cognitive distortions are irrational or exaggerated thought patterns that can lead to negative emotions and behaviors. Mary's thought, "I can't do anything right," is an example of a cognitive distortion known as "all-or-nothing thinking" or "overgeneralization," where she is viewing her entire ability based on one rough semester.

A negative reinforcer involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. This concept does not apply to Mary's thought process, as it does not involve reinforcement.