Psychology I / Operant Conditioning
Practice question · Sort into groups

Sort each consequence by whether it makes the behavior MORE likely (reinforcement) or LESS likely (punishment).

Groups: Increases behavior (reinforcement) · Decreases behavior (punishment)

Hints
  1. The word 'negative' does NOT mean punishment - it means something was removed.
  2. If the behavior becomes MORE likely (even by removing something unpleasant), it is reinforcement.
Show the answer

Increases behavior (reinforcement): Removing an unpleasant nagging once the chore is done, so the chore gets done more, Adding praise so a behavior recurs, Ending a headache by taking aspirin, so aspirin-taking increases

Decreases behavior (punishment): Taking away a favorite toy to reduce hitting, Adding a fine to reduce speeding

Why

Reinforcement always increases behavior, whether by adding something pleasant or removing something unpleasant (the nagging, the headache). Punishment always decreases behavior. Removing something can be reinforcement (negative reinforcement) - the trap this sort exposes.

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