Punishment is a consequence that makes a behavior less likely in the future. It is defined by its effect on behavior, not by whether it seems unpleasant.
Example
After a learner throws a toy, the toy is put away and the throwing happens less often. That is punishment because the behavior decreased.
Key points
- Positive punishment adds something after the behavior.
- Negative punishment removes something after the behavior, such as response cost.
- RBTs only use procedures written in the behavior plan by the supervisor, and reinforcement-based strategies are generally preferred.
Exam tip
If a question says the behavior increased, it is reinforcement, not punishment, even if the consequence sounds unpleasant.
Common mistake
Treating punishment as meaning “something unpleasant”. In behavior analysis it is defined by its effect: the behavior decreases in the future.
Quick check
If a consequence does not reduce future behavior, was it punishment? No.
Keep studying
RBT glossary · Positive vs. negative reinforcement · Extinction · Differential reinforcement · Flashcards · Study guide
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