1. Chapter 6
Punishment

2. Punishment Is a basic principle of behavior
Is derived from basic and applied research
May be a component of some behavior modification procedures

3. Defining Punishment 1. The occurrence of a behavior
2. Is followed immediately be a consequence
3. The behavior is less likely to occur in the future (decrease in the future probability of the behavior)
Present ---> Behavior is followed by a consequence
Future ----> Behavior is less likely to occur

4. What is Positive Punishment?
1. Following the behavior
2. A stimulus (aversive stimulus or punisher) is applied or presented
3. The behavior is less likely to occur in the future

5. What is Negative Punishment?
1. Following the behavior
2. A stimulus (reinforcer) is withdrawn or removed
3. The behavior is less likely to occur in the future

6. What is a Punisher?
The stimulus that follows the behavior that results in a decrease in the future probability of the behavior
Also called an aversive stimulus

7. Reinforcers vs Punishers
When a punisher is delivered following a behavior, the behavior is less likely to occur (decreases) in the future. (positive punishment)
When a punisher is removed following a behavior, the behavior is more likely to occur (increases) in the future. (negative reinforcement)
When a reinforcer is delivered following a behavior, the behavior is more likely to occur (increases) in the future. (positive reinforcement)
When a reinforcer is removed following the behavior, the behavior is less likely to occur (decreases) in the future. (negative punishment)

8. Unconditioned Punishers
Events that have biological importance
Punishers that require no conditioning to be effective
Examples:
painful stimuli,
extreme levels of stimulation (heat, cold, auditory, visual)
removal of unconditioned reinforcers

9. Conditioned Punishers
A previously neutral stimulus
Is paired with an established punisher
Becomes a punisher itself
Examples of conditioned punishers **
“no”, reprimands, threats, warnings,
facial expressions of disapproval
** Determined by their effect on the behavior

10. Factors Influencing Punishment
Immediacy
Contingency
Establishing operations
Intensity
Individual differences

11. Potential Problems with Punishment
Emotional reactions to punishment
Negative reinforcement for the use of punishment
Punishment and modeling
Ethical issues