topic 6

Question 1

Define punishment and punisher

Answer 1

• punishment: consequence of a behaviour weakens the behaviour
• punisher: stimulus, object or event (aversive stimulus) that weakens the behaviour

Question 2

What are the types of punishment

define the 2 types and their 2 subtypes

Answer 2

1. positive punishment: giving an unpleasant stimulus to decrease behaviour
   - applicatio of aversive activities: made to perform an unpleasant task as a consequence for an inappropriate behaviour
   - application of aversive stimulation: punishes behaviour by delivering an aversive stimulus
2. negative punishment = removal of a good stimulus to decrease behaviour
   - time-out from positive reinforcement: removes the individual from a reinforcing environment as a consequence
   - response cost: punish behaviour by taing away a valued item or privilege

Question 3

What are the two types of punishers?

define generalized conditioned punisher

Answer 3

1. unconditioned (primary): stimulus of event that is naturally averisve; eg. pain due to bright lights, loud sounds
2. conditioned (secondary): conditioned punisher that has been paired with a number of other punishers

Question 4

Factors influencing effectiveness of punishment

define immediacy and contingency

Answer 4

• immediacy: punishment is most effective when it follows immediately after the behaviour
• contingency: punishment is more effective when it follows every inappropriate behaviour

Question 5

Factors influencing effectiveness of punishment

define motivation operations and it’s 2 subtypes

Answer 5

• motivation operations: events that can influence the effectiveness of punishment (temporarily)
• establishing: establishes/increases the effectiveness of punishment
• abolishing: decreases the effectiveness of punishment

Question 6

Factors influencing effectiveness of punishment

How does verbal explanations, individual differences and magnitude influence the effectiveness of punishment?

Answer 6

• verbal explanations: giving reasons for delivery of punishment
• individual differences: decided punishment is based on individual’s past, varying from person to person
• magnitude: a more intense stimulus is more likely to function as a punisher
• (punishers of extreme intensity DO NOT have a greater effect on behaviour)

Question 7

what are some pros and cons of punishment?

Answer 7

• works rapidly
• last resort and can be used if others don’t work
• suppression of unwanted behaviour
  BUT
• can have agressive, ecaspe and avoidance responses
• can turn into negative reinforcement
• can model; uses punsihment on others
• ethical issues