Tim yells at his daughter Allison for soiling her pants.He also threatens to spank her if she ever does it again.Next week,she soils her pants again.According to studies on punishment,why did this fail?
A)The punishment did not tell her how to change her behavior.
B)The threat was a reinforcer.
C)She wasn't punished immediately.
D)Yelling is not a form of punishment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Punishment is only effective when it is accompanied by a clear explanation of what behavior needs to change and the appropriate alternative behavior. Yelling and threatening can also be seen as reinforcing the negative behavior rather than discouraging it. Additionally, the punishment was not immediate, which reduces its effectiveness.

Tim Yells at His Daughter Allison for Soiling Her Pants