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Chapter 6: Problem 23

What is the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Negative reinforcement and punishment are both behavioural psychology concepts but they serve different purposes. Negative reinforcement reinforces a behaviour by removing an unpleasant stimulus, thereby promoting that behaviour. Punishment, on the other hand, decreases the likelihood of a behaviour recurring by introducing a negative or unpleasant consequence.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Negative Reinforcement

Negative reinforcement refers to a method of conditioning wherein an unpleasant stimulus is removed to increase the probability of a behavior. Each time the desired behavior is performed, an undesirable outcome is removed or avoided, hence reinforcing and encouraging that behavior.
02

Defining Punishment

Punishment is a concept in behaviour theory according to which an unpleasant consequence is paired with a behavior to decrease its frequency. This is opposite to reinforcement (both positive and negative) where certain stimuli are used to increase the frequency or probability of a behavior.
03

Comparing the two concepts

The key difference between negative reinforcement and punishment is based on the outcome and goal: Negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. Punishment on the other hand, discourages a behavior by introducing an unpleasant stimulus or consequence.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Cara is 17 years old. Cara's mother and father both drink alcohol every night. They tell Cara that drinking is bad and she shouldn't do it. Cara goes to a party where beer is being served. What do you think Cara will do? Why?

Can you think of an example in your life of how classical conditioning has produced a positive emotional response, such as happiness or excitement? How about a negative emotional response, such as fear, anxiety, or anger?

Extinction occurs when _____ a. the conditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with an unconditioned stimulus b. the unconditioned stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with a conditioned stimulus c. the neutral stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with an unconditioned stimulus d. the neutral stimulus is presented repeatedly without being paired with a conditioned stimulus.

Think of a behavior that you have that you would like to change. How could you use behavior modification, specifically positive reinforcement, to change your behavior? What is your positive reinforcer?

The person who performs a behavior that serves as an example is called a _______ a. teacher b. model c. instructor d. coach
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