Negative Reinforcement Versus Punishment

1. Negative Reinforcement Versus Punishment Introduces differences between punishment and reinforcement with an emphasis on negative reinforcement

2. Operant conditioning, when properly applied, can effectively modify the behavior of others. • However, to apply a “carrot and stick” approach successfully, users must understand which consequences are available as carrots to strengthen desired behaviors and as sticks to weaken undesired behaviors.

3. Negative Reinforcement Quiz 1. If you were asked for another word or phrase for negative reinforcement, what would you select? ________________________________ 2. When you supply negative reinforcement, it usually results in: _____ a. Weakening a behavior that you want weakened. _____ b. Strengthening a behavior that you want strengthened.

4. 3. Do people usually look forward to receiving negative reinforcement? _____ a. Yes _____ b. No 4. Do you anticipate regularly (consciously) supplying positive reinforcement to those you might manage in the future? _____ a. Yes _____ b. No 5. Do you anticipate regularly (consciously) supplying negative reinforcement to those you might manage in the future? _____ a. Yes _____ b. No

5. Consequence Matrix Stimulus Type Supply a Stimulus  Remove a Stimulus Appetitive Stimulus (Something desired)   Positive Reinforcement  Time-out* or Punishment Aversive Stimulus Negative (Something not desired)  Punishment  Reinforcement

6. Negative Reinforcement Quiz 1. If you were asked for another word or phrase for negative reinforcement, what would you select? ________________________________ 2. When you supply negative reinforcement, it usually results in: _____ a. Weakening a behavior that you want weakened. _____ b. Strengthening a behavior that you want strengthened.

7. 3. Do people usually look forward to receiving negative reinforcement? _____ a. Yes _____ b. No 4. Do you anticipate regularly (consciously) supplying positive reinforcement to those you might manage in the future? _____ a. Yes _____ b. No 5. Do you anticipate regularly (consciously) supplying negative reinforcement to those you might manage in the future? _____ a. Yes _____ b. No

8. “If you clean your room, you will no longer have to stay inside” illustrates negative reinforcement. • “Because you did not clean your room, you will have to stay inside today” illustrates punishment. • The first statement says, “If you do what I want (clean your room), I will remove an aversive stimulus (you no longer have to stay inside).” • The second statement says, “Because you did not do what I want (clean your room), I will supply an aversive stimulus (you must stay inside).” • Other examples?

9. Negative reinforcement and punishment are used for entirely different purposes. • Negative reinforcement strengthens behaviors, whereas punishment weakens behaviors