Question

Which of the following examples are related to punishment?
A. Stopping at a red light to avoid getting in an accident.
B. Losing the privilege of driving because you got into too many accidents.
C. Having to lose some of your money to pay the penalty for late tax filing.
D. Being grounded (losing your freedom) because of disobedience.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Remember: {Reinforcement increases} a behavior, while {punishment decreases} a behavior. {Positive} means adding a stimulus, and {negative} means removing one. Don't confuse "negative" with "bad." Negative reinforcement is the removal of something bad to increase a behavior.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify examples of punishment in the context of operant conditioning. Punishment is any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. It can be positive (adding an unpleasant stimulus) or negative (removing a pleasant stimulus).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A. Stopping at a red light to avoid getting in an accident. This is an example of negative reinforcement. The behavior (stopping at the light) is increased to avoid or remove an aversive outcome (an accident). It strengthens a behavior, it does not punish it.
B. Losing the privilege of driving because you got into too many accidents. This is an example of negative punishment. A desirable stimulus (the privilege of driving) is removed to decrease the behavior (unsafe driving).
C. Having to lose some of your money to pay the penalty for late tax filing. This is an example of negative punishment. A desirable stimulus (money) is removed to decrease the behavior (filing taxes late).
D. Being grounded (losing your freedom) because of disobedience. This is an example of negative punishment. A desirable stimulus (freedom) is removed to decrease the behavior (disobedience).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Examples B, C, and D all describe the removal of a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior, which is the definition of negative punishment. Example A describes negative reinforcement. Therefore, only B, C, and D are related to punishment.