Taking away homework problems to increase student participation in class is an example of a:
A) negative reinforcer.
B) positive reinforcer.
C) punisher.
D) differential reinforcer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Taking away homework problems is an example of negative reinforcement because it removes an aversive stimulus (the homework) in order to increase the likelihood of the desired behavior (participation in class). Positive reinforcement would involve adding a desirable stimulus after the desired behavior, while punishment involves adding an aversive stimulus to decrease the likelihood of an undesired behavior. Differential reinforcement refers to reinforcing a particular behavior while ignoring or punishing other behaviors.

Taking Away Homework Problems to Increase Student Participation in Class