Ms. Smythe keeps Eric after school whenever he swears in class. Even though Eric has been kept after school each day for the past three weeks, his swearing has increased rather than decreased. Given what we know about the effects of punishment on behavior, Ms. Smythe should probably conclude that:
A) Her punishment is only temporarily suppressing Eric's swearing.
B) The punishment is too severe.
C) Eric's swearing will decrease eventually.
D) Staying after school is not a punishment for Eric.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in Eric's swearing, despite the after-school detentions, suggests that staying after school does not function as a punishment for him. In behaviorist terms, a punishment should decrease the frequency of the behavior it follows. If the behavior increases, the consequence is not operating as a punishment.

Ms Smythe Keeps Eric After School Whenever He Swears in Class