Question

Which of the following best illustrates positive punishment in operant conditioning? Multiple Choice a) Forbidding a child from watching television because he broke a glass b) Forbidding a teenager from leaving the house because he got drunk c) Lecturing and reprimanding a child for being rude to his or her teachers d) Refusing to give his or her favorite toys to a child who refuses to eat

Answer 1

Answer:

The best illustration of positive punishment is C. Lecturing and reprimanding a child for being rude to his/her teachers.

Explanation:

Positive punishment is applying an aversive stimulus in order to reduce certain conduct, whereas negative punishment is removing a desired stimulus.

Given the answer options, we can deduce that the correct one is C. The A and B and D options are removing the stimulus the child enjoys, such as prohibiting TV watching, leaving the house or playing with his/her toys.

Important things to remember:

• A punishment centers on abolishing certain behavior.
• Negative means the removal of a desired stimulus.
• Positive means the application of an aversive stimulus.