After getting cactus needles stuck in her hand, 2-year-old Rachel no longer touches cactus plants. Using operant conditioning terms, this is an example of:
A)negative reinforcement.
B)higher order conditioning.
C)punishment by application.
D)punishment by removal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rachel's experience of getting cactus needles stuck in her hand and subsequently avoiding cactus plants is an example of punishment by application. This is because a negative consequence (the pain from the needles) was applied following her behavior (touching the cactus), which decreased the likelihood of her repeating that behavior.

After Getting Cactus Needles Stuck in Her Hand, 2-Year-Old Rachel