GCU Positive and Negative Punishment Essay

This week, we explore another basic principle of behavior—punishment. Punishment decreases behavior. Many misconceptions about punishment exist, but when used correctly, it is an important part of the learning process. Punishment is a consequence that follows a behavior and decreases the future likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Decreasing behaviors is a common task for behavior analysts, so it is important to understand how punishment works.

For this assignment, complete the following:

• Define both positive and negative punishment. Be sure to explain how they are similar and how they are different in your definitions.
• Provide two real-world, detailed examples of how positive punishment could be used to decrease behaviors you would like to see occur less often. Also, provide two real-world, detailed examples of how negative punishment could be used to decrease behaviors you would like to see occur less often. For example, a parent may use negative punishment by removing television privileges when his or her child curses. Another parent may use positive punishment by requiring the child to write the sentence “I will use nice words” 100 times after cursing.
• Be sure to label the three-term contingency in your examples.
• Be sure to explain why the examples you chose illustrate that procedure.