Use of Punishment

Definition

The use of punishment refers to the application of an aversive stimulus or the removal of a desired stimulus in order to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. It is used as a behavioral modification tool under operant conditioning principles.

Related terms

Negative Reinforcement:

This term refers to removing an aversive stimulus after a behavior occurs, which increases the likelihood of that behavior happening again.

Positive Punishment:

This term involves applying an aversive stimulus after a behavior occurs, reducing the chances of that behavior being repeated.

Extinction:

In operant conditioning, extinction refers to when a previously reinforced behavior no longer receives reinforcement, leading to its gradual disappearance.