Pros and Cons of Punishment in Behavior Modification

What is the outcome of positive reinforcement?

Strengthen behavior

Which type of reinforcement involves reducing or removing an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen behavior?

Negative reinforcement

What is the outcome of negative punishment?

Weaken behavior

In which situation is positive punishment applied?

Giving a student extra homework for misbehavior Signup and view all the answers

What does negative reinforcement involve?

Removing an aversive stimulus to strengthen behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which schedule of reinforcement refers to reinforcing the response sometimes and sometimes not?

Variable-ratio schedule Signup and view all the answers

What type of reinforcement schedule produces extremely high steady rates of responding?

Variable-Ratio Schedule Signup and view all the answers

Which reinforcement schedule is characterized by reinforcement occurring for the first response made after a specific amount of time has passed?

Fixed Interval Schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of punishment?

Weakening responses Signup and view all the answers

Which real-world example demonstrates a Fixed Ratio Schedule of reinforcement?

Factory workers who are paid according to the number of products they produce Signup and view all the answers

In the context of reinforcement schedules, what occurs in a Variable Interval Schedule?

Behavior is reinforced for the first response after an average, but unpredictable, amount of time has passed Signup and view all the answers

Which reinforcement schedule involves behavior being reinforced after an average, but unpredictable, number of responses?

Variable-Ratio Schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is a pro of punishment according to the text?

It can suppress behavior temporarily allowing time for positive reinforcement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a con of punishment as mentioned in the text?

Punishment is ineffective when not delivered promptly after the unwanted behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is an important rule of operant conditioning regarding punishment?

Punishment should target the behavior, not the person Signup and view all the answers

Why is punishment ineffective if not delivered shortly after the unwanted behavior?

Because it fails to connect the consequence with the behavior Signup and view all the answers

How can punishment be made more effective in changing behavior?

By delivering it promptly after the unwanted behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is one downside of punishment being delivered out of the setting where the unwanted behavior occurs?

It delays the connection between the consequence and the behavior Signup and view all the answers