Michael is busy with his work project that he brought home. His son wants him to put a movie in the DVD player. Michael tells hi
m to wait for 10 minutes; however, his son whines and complains so much that Michael decides to put the movie in right now. Michael's actions BEST illustrate the value of:
Negative reinforcement occurs when something or a situation is removed as a result of an individuals behavior, which produces a favorable outcome for the individual. As a result of the removal of the situation, the individuals behavior towards such situation will be strengthened, and hence be used in the future. In other words, when an individual's behavior or response leads to the stopping of an unpleasant situation to that individual negative reinforcement is occurring.
In the case of Michael's child his behavior (whining and complaining) led to the removal of an unpleasant situation (a switched of DVD player). This behavior is most likely to be strengthened in the future, since it resulted to a favorable outcome.
