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Chapter 6: Problem 30

Explain the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment, and provide several examples of each based on your own experiences.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Negative reinforcement enhances a behavior by taking away an unfavorable condition, like studying more to avoid a poor grade. On the other hand, punishment decreases an undesirable behavior by introducing an adverse condition, such as receiving a speeding ticket for driving too fast. Both are behavior modification techniques, but have distinct application scenarios and impacts.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Negative Reinforcement

Negative reinforcement is a concept where a certain behavior is increased due to the removal of an unfavorable or adverse condition. It happens when an action results in the elimination of a 'negative', thereby reinforcing that action. The behavior is enhanced because the individual or subject finds the removal of the 'negative' condition rewarding.
02

Providing Examples of Negative Reinforcement

Examples of negative reinforcement could be: 1) Studying hard in order to avoid a poor grade, where the unpleasant condition (poor grade) is removed with the action of studying. 2) Taking medication to eliminate a persistent headache. The action (taking medication) is reinforced by the removal of discomfort.
03

Defining Punishment

Unlike negative reinforcement, punishment is used to reduce undesirable behavior. It involves introducing an adverse condition (punishment) in response to an unwanted behavior. The idea is to make the negative experience associated with the behavior strong enough that the individual is discouraged to repeat it.
04

Providing Examples of Punishment

Examples of punishment can include: 1) Receiving a speeding ticket for driving too fast. The ticket serves as a punishment to decrease the behavior of speeding. 2) A student being kept in detention for misbehaving in class. The detention serves as punishment to reduce the likelihood of the student misbehaving again.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What kinds of things have you learned through the process of classical conditioning? Operant conditioning? Observational learning? How did you learn them?

Compare and contrast classical and operant conditioning. How are they alike? How do they differ?

Which of the following is an example of a reflex that occurs at some point in the development of a human being? a. child riding a bike b. teen socializing c. infant sucking on a nipple d. toddler walking

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?

In Bandura's Bobo doll study, when the children who watched the aggressive model were placed in a room with the doll and other toys, they _______ a. ignored the doll b. played nicely with the doll c. played with tinker toys d. kicked and threw the doll
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