AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Remember that reinforcement, even when it is negative, always increases a behavior. In contrast, punishment always decreases a behavior. In positive punishment, you add an undesirable stimulus to decrease a behavior. An example of positive punishment is scolding a student to get the student to stop texting in class.

Detailed explanation-2: -Operant conditioning can also be used to decrease a behavior via the removal of a desirable outcome or the application of a negative outcome. For example, a child may be told they will lose recess privileges if they talk out of turn in class. This potential for punishment may lead to a decrease in disruptive behaviors.

Detailed explanation-3: -Negative punishment is the opposite of positive punishment. It’s when you take something away from the child until the unwanted behavior changes. An easy example of negative punishment is taking away some sort of toy from the child if they are not staying on task or performing the preferred behavior.

Detailed explanation-4: -For example, spanking a child when he throws a tantrum is an example of positive punishment. Something is added to the mix (spanking) to discourage a bad behavior (throwing a tantrum). On the other hand, removing restrictions from a child when she follows the rules is an example of negative reinforcement.