Sort each consequence by whether it makes the behavior MORE likely (reinforcement) or LESS likely (punishment).
Groups: Increases behavior (reinforcement) · Decreases behavior (punishment)
- Removing an unpleasant nagging once the chore is done, so the chore gets done more
- Adding praise so a behavior recurs
- Taking away a favorite toy to reduce hitting
- Adding a fine to reduce speeding
- Ending a headache by taking aspirin, so aspirin-taking increases
Hints
- The word 'negative' does NOT mean punishment - it means something was removed.
- 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
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.
Practise Operant Conditioning
The app has 5 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Psychology I is free to start.
More questions on Operant Conditioning
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