ABA Exam CoachLessons · B. Concepts and Principles
B.5 · Positive vs. negative punishment
Here's a quick test: something unpleasant happens right after a behavior. Is that punishment? Not necessarily. Today we'll sort positive from negative punishment by asking two quick questions.
Key takeaway
Punishment is defined by its effect. The behavior has to happen less often in the future. Then ask whether a stimulus was added or removed right after the response. If something was added, it's positive punishment, like a reprimand or extra work. If something was taken away, it's negative punishment, like response cost or time-out from positive reinforcement.
Punishment is defined by its effect. The behavior has to happen less often in the future. Then ask whether a stimulus was added or removed right after the response. If something was added, it's positive punishment, like a reprimand or extra work. If something was taken away, it's negative punishment, like response cost or time-out from positive reinforcement.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.