Which of the following types of consequences is correctly matched with an example?
A)Positive reinforcement-Vickie applies lotion to lessen the discomfort of a small burn
B)Negative reinforcement-Ella's parents confiscate her car keys for breaking curfew
C)Positive punishment-Laurel's mother yells at her when Laurel takes $20 from her mom's purse
D)Negative punishment-Maddie receives a bonus for outstanding work performance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive punishment is the addition of an unwanted stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Laurel's mother yelling at her after taking money from her purse adds an unwanted stimulus (yelling) to decrease the likelihood of Laurel taking money from her purse again.

The other options are incorrect:
A) Positive reinforcement is the addition of a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Applying lotion to a burn is not reinforcement for any specific behavior.
B) Negative reinforcement is the removal of an aversive stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Confiscating Ella's car keys is actually positive punishment, not negative reinforcement.
D) Negative punishment is the removal of a desirable stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Maddie receiving a bonus is not punishment, negative or otherwise.

Which of the Following Types of Consequences Is Correctly Matched