How Does Negative Punishment Influence Behavior?

What is the impact of negative punishment on behavior?

When Ava scolds Jamie sharply, what effect does it have on Jamie's behavior?

Impact of Negative Punishment on Behavior

The most likely true statement is B) Ava's scolding has punished Jamie's fussing behavior. This is an example of negative punishment, where the undesirable behavior (fussing) is weakened or decreased by removing a desired stimulus (Ava's attention and presence).

Negative punishment is a behavior modification technique that involves the removal of a desirable stimulus in response to an undesired behavior. In the scenario where Ava scolds Jamie sharply in the supermarket, her action serves as negative punishment to discourage Jamie's fussing.

By removing Ava's attention and presence through scolding, Jamie learns that her behavior of fussing leads to a negative consequence, thereby reducing the likelihood of continued fussing in the future. This form of punishment helps in shaping and controlling behavior without the need for physical punishment.

Through observational learning, individuals, especially children like Jamie, can understand the consequences of their actions and adjust their behavior accordingly. In this case, Ava's scolding acts as a negative punishment that influences Jamie's behavior by discouraging the unwanted behavior of fussing.