When a stimulus is taken away from a person or animal resulting in a decrease in the probability of response, it is known as ________.
A) punishment by application
B) punishment by removal
C) negative reinforcement
D) punishing reinforcement

Question

When a stimulus is taken away from a person or animal resulting in a decrease in the probability of response, it is known as ________.
A) punishment by application
B) punishment by removal 
C) negative reinforcement 
D) punishing reinforcement

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of punishment by removal, where the removal of the stimulus (aversive event or object) decreases the probability of the behavior being repeated in the future. Negative reinforcement would be the removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior, and punishing reinforcement is not a recognized term in behaviorism. Punishment by application involves adding an aversive stimulus to reduce the likelihood of a behavior.

When a Stimulus Is Taken Away from a Person or Animal