Which scenario describes Punishment best?

Which scenario describes Punishment best?

• A. A dog is given a treat for sitting on command
• B. A child is rewarded for sharing toys with friends
• C. A student loses recess time for speaking out of turn
• D. A teacher praises a student for completing homework

Answer: (C)

Punishment refers to a consequence that follows a behavior, which is intended to decrease the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. In the scenario where a student loses recess time for speaking out of turn, this consequence serves to discourage the unwanted behavior of interrupting or speaking out without permission. The loss of a desirable activity (recess) acts as a negative consequence aimed at reducing the occurrence of the disruptive action. In contrast, other scenarios provided involve reinforcement rather than punishment. For example, rewarding a dog for sitting and praising a student for completing homework both serve to increase the likelihood of those positive behaviors occurring again. Meanwhile, rewarding a child for sharing toys reinforces sharing behavior, which does not align with the concept of punishment.

Punishment refers to a consequence that follows a behavior, which is intended to decrease the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. In the scenario where a student loses recess time for speaking out of turn, this consequence serves to discourage the unwanted behavior of interrupting or speaking out without permission. The loss of a desirable activity (recess) acts as a negative consequence aimed at reducing the occurrence of the disruptive action.

In contrast, other scenarios provided involve reinforcement rather than punishment. For example, rewarding a dog for sitting and praising a student for completing homework both serve to increase the likelihood of those positive behaviors occurring again. Meanwhile, rewarding a child for sharing toys reinforces sharing behavior, which does not align with the concept of punishment.