Punishment will tend to
A increase the frequency of a behavior.
B have little effect on behavior.
C reduce the frequency of a behavior.
D extinguish an undesirable behavior.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: C) reduce the frequency of a behavior.
Explanation:
Punishment is a core concept in behavioral psychology, particularly in operant conditioning as described by B.F. Skinner. In this framework, punishment is defined as any consequence that decreases the likelihood or frequency of a behavior occurring in the future.
There are two main types of punishment:
- Positive Punishment – This involves presenting an unfavorable stimulus after a behavior. For example, giving a child extra chores after they misbehave. The goal is to reduce the behavior.
- Negative Punishment – This involves removing a favorable stimulus after a behavior. For example, taking away a teenager’s phone after they break curfew.
Regardless of the type, the defining feature of punishment is that it reduces the occurrence of the behavior it follows. This makes option C the most accurate.
Let’s break down the other options:
- A) Increase the frequency of a behavior – This describes reinforcement, not punishment. Reinforcement strengthens behavior.
- B) Have little effect on behavior – This is not true in general; when applied correctly and immediately, punishment can be very effective in the short term.
- D) Extinguish an undesirable behavior – While punishment can reduce a behavior, extinction is the specific term used when a behavior is reduced by no longer reinforcing it, not by punishing it.
It’s also worth noting that while punishment can be effective, it may lead to negative side effects like fear, aggression, or avoidance. Therefore, in many educational and therapeutic settings, positive reinforcement is preferred for long-term behavior change. Nonetheless, when used carefully and ethically, punishment remains a valid behavior management tool in psychology.