After lightning caused an electrical power surge and damaged his computer, Damon no longer turns his computer on during thunderstorms. This change in Damon's behavior is the result of:
A) positive reinforcement.
B) negative reinforcement.
C) punishment.
D) shaping.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Damon's change in behavior is a result of punishment, as a negative consequence (damage to his computer) has led to a decrease in his behavior (turning on his computer during thunderstorms). Positive reinforcement would involve the addition of a desired consequence to increase a behavior, and negative reinforcement would involve the removal of an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior. Shaping involves gradually teaching a new behavior through rewarding successive approximations of the desired behavior, which is not applicable in this scenario.

After Lightning Caused an Electrical Power Surge and Damaged His