Positive punishment is:
A) a contradiction in terms
B) exemplified by time-out
C) exemplified by a spanking
D) a new program to keep kids off drugs

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive punishment refers to adding an aversive consequence in order to decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring in the future. Spanking is an example of positive punishment, as it adds an aversive stimulus (physical pain) in an effort to decrease the likelihood of the behavior (such as hitting a sibling) happening again. Time-out is an example of negative punishment, which involves taking away a desirable stimulus in order to decrease the likelihood of a behavior happening again. Option A is incorrect because positive punishment is a recognized term in behavioral psychology. Option D is incorrect because it does not accurately describe what positive punishment is.

Positive Punishment Is