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 reinforcing for Eric.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in Eric's swearing, despite the punishment, suggests that staying after school is acting as a reinforcer rather than a deterrent, possibly because it meets an unaddressed need or provides attention that Eric finds rewarding.

Ms Smythe Keeps Eric After School Whenever He Swears in Class