Which of the following statements concerning punishment is true?
A) Punishment eliminates the capacity to engage in a certain behavior.
B) Some punishments may actually increase the occurrence of certain behaviors.
C) The one doing the punishing may come to fear the one being punished.
D) Punishment alone is more effective than punishment used with reinforcement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some punishments, especially those that are inconsistent, may actually reinforce the behavior they were intended to eliminate. This is known as the "punishment trap." Additionally, research suggests that positive reinforcement is generally more effective than punishment alone. A and C are incorrect because punishment does not necessarily eliminate behavior or create fear. D is incorrect because punishment and reinforcement used together are generally more effective than punishment alone.

Which of the Following Statements Concerning Punishment Is True