Tim yells at his daughter Allison for soiling her pants. He also threatens to spank her if she ever does it again. Next week, she soils her pants again. According to studies on punishment, why did Tim's approach fail?
A) The threat was a reinforcer.
B) The punishment did not tell her how to change her behavior.
C) Allison wasn't punished immediately.
D) Yelling is not a form of punishment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tim's punishment only served as a threat and did not provide Allison with any information on how to stop soiling her pants. Punishment must clearly communicate how to change the behavior in question in order to be effective.

Tim Yells at His Daughter Allison for Soiling Her Pants