What is the difference between punishment and negative reinforcement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Punishment and negative reinforcement are both types of operant conditioning that aim to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future. Punishment involves the presentation of an aversive stimulus (e.g. scolding, spanking) following the behavior, which weakens the behavior. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus (e.g. taking away an unpleasant task) following the behavior, which strengthens the behavior. Therefore, while punishment weakens behavior, negative reinforcement strengthens behavior. Choice A and B are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the effects of punishment and negative reinforcement. Choice D is also incorrect as it fails to acknowledge that there is a clear difference between these two types of conditioning.

What Is the Difference Between Punishment and Negative Reinforcement