Question

in operant conditioning, ________ is when something is removed to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

negative reinforcement
positive punishment
positive reinforcement
punishment reinforcement

Explanation:

Analyze the components of the definition

In psychology, specifically within Operant Conditioning, we analyze behavioral consequences using two main dimensions:

1. Positive vs. Negative:

• Positive means adding or presenting a stimulus.
• Negative means removing or taking away a stimulus.

1. Reinforcement vs. Punishment:

• Reinforcement aims to increase the likelihood of a behavior.
• Punishment aims to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Match the terms to the question prompt

The prompt states: "... is when something is removed to increase the likelihood of a behavior."

• "Something is removed" corresponds to Negative.
• "To increase the likelihood of a behavior" corresponds to Reinforcement.

Combining these two components gives negative reinforcement.

Evaluate the given options

• negative reinforcement: Correct. It involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen a desired behavior.
• positive punishment: Incorrect. This involves adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.
• positive reinforcement: Incorrect. This involves adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.
• punishment reinforcement: Incorrect. This is a contradictory and non-existent term in operant conditioning.

Answer:

• negative reinforcement (Correct answer)
• positive punishment
• positive reinforcement
• punishment reinforcement