Punishment
Definition
Punishment is a process that decreases the likelihood of a behavior recurring by applying an unpleasant stimulus following the behavior.
Analogy
Think of punishment like getting a speeding ticket. If you drive over the speed limit (the behavior), you might get a ticket (unpleasant stimulus). This makes it less likely that you'll speed in the future because you want to avoid another ticket.
Related terms
Operant Conditioning: A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences. Punishment is one form of consequence used in operant conditioning.
Aversive Stimulus: An unpleasant event or object that is applied after the behavior, often used as part of punishment.
Discipline: The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, often using punishment to correct disobedience.
"Punishment" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (8)
- What type of punishment is most effective in reducing unwanted behaviors according to operant conditioning principles?
- What type of consequence is a punishment in the context of operant conditioning?
- How can punishment lead to unintended consequences in operant conditioning?
- How does punishment differ from negative reinforcement in operant conditioning?
- How could the use of punishment in childhood socialization raise ethical concerns?
- Which stage in Kohlberg's theory of moral development is characterized by a focus on obedience and punishment?
- Why would self-determination theory argue against using punishment to motivate behavior change?
- What ethical concern arises from using punishment as a motivator within behavioral theories?
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