The same consequence can be both reinforcement and punishment, depending on the student and the circumstances.

Question

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The same consequence can have different effects on different students, and also depending on the circumstances or context. For example, giving extra homework to a student who enjoys doing homework may be reinforcing their behavior, while giving the same extra homework to a student who dislikes homework may be punishing their behavior. Similarly, taking away recess time from a student who dislikes it may be reinforcing their behavior, while taking away recess time from a student who values it may be punishing their behavior. Therefore, the same consequence can be both reinforcement and punishment depending on the student and the situation.

The Same Consequence Can Be Both Reinforcement and Punishment, Depending