In instrumental conditioning, what is the distinction between negative reinforcement and punishment?
A) There is no difference. They are two words for the same thing.
B) Negative reinforcement can occur when a stimulus is positive, and punishment occurs when a stimulus is painful.
C) Negative reinforcement occurs when a negative outcome is avoided, while punishment occurs when an action causes a negative outcome.
D) Negative reinforcement creates a preference for negative results, while punishment teaches people to avoid negative results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement involves avoiding a negative outcome (e.g. taking an aspirin to avoid a headache), while punishment involves an action causing a negative outcome (e.g. receiving a speeding ticket for driving too fast). The key distinction is whether the behavior results in the avoidance of a negative outcome or the occurrence of a negative outcome.

In Instrumental Conditioning, What Is the Distinction Between Negative Reinforcement