In operant conditioning, positive punishment is defined as:
A) rewarding desired behaviors by adding something desirable (e.g., a treat).
B) reducing undesirable behavior by adding something undesirable (e.g., assigning extra chores).
C) rewarding desired behaviors by removing something undesirable (e.g., relaxing curfew).
D) reducing undesirable behavior by removing something desirable (e.g., grounding).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive punishment involves adding something aversive or undesirable to decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future. Choice B matches this definition by reducing undesirable behavior through the addition of something negative, such as assigning extra chores. The other options describe different forms of reinforcement, either positive or negative.

In Operant Conditioning, Positive Punishment Is Defined As