Chap #6

Positive punishment

1. occurrence of behavior 2. followed by the presentation of an aversive stimulus 3. result, behavior is less likely to occur in the future

Negative punishment

1. occurrence of behavior 2. followed by the removal of a reinforcing stimulus 3. result, the behavior is less likely to occur in the future

When should you consider using punishment?

-After other, less restrictive procedures (i.e. functional, non-aversive interventions) have failed -When undesirable behavior is maintained by strong reinforcers that cannot be controlled -When undesirable behavior happens so frequently that there are no opportunities to reinforce alternative behaviors More easily justified when the undesirable behavior: -Can cause injury -Is highly embarrassing -Is bizarre

Unconditioned punisher

-Have biological significance -Do not require conditioning (i.e., learning) Examples: Painful stimuli, extreme levels of stimulation (hot, cold, visual, auditory, etc.), removal of unconditioned reinforcers

Conditioned punisher

-Previously neutral stimuli -Acquired by conditioning (i.e., learning) via pairing with other punishers Examples: The word "no"; reprimands, threats, and warnings; disapproving facial expressions

What factors influence the effectiveness of punishment, and how can you use punishment well?

-Punish immediately (immediacy) -Punish consistently when behavior occurs (contingency) -Prevent escape (i.e., avoid negative reinforcement) -Mildest level of punisher that allows achievement of goals (magnitude) --->Though higher magnitude can be more effective, ethical conduct must be considered -Be aware of individual differences --->Some stimuli are punishers for some but not all people, and perceived aversiveness differs between people -Provide instructions about the contingencies -Give a warning signal -Motivating operations -->Establishing operations increase potency of a punisher -->Abolishing operations decrease potency of a punisher -Negative punishment preferable -Reinforce an alternate, appropriate response -Punish early in the sequence of a chain -Vary forms of punishment

Response cost

-type of - punishment -contingent on a behavior, specified amount of a reinforecement is removed

Time-out- from positive reinforment

-type of - punishment -contingent on the occurrence of the problem behavior, the person losses access to + reinforcement for a brief period -person removed from reinforcing environment in a time-out procedure

Punishment

1. Behavior occurs prior to any stimulus 2. Performance of behavior results immediately in a consequence (punisher) 3. The behavior is weakened by the consequence and thus less likely to occur again in the future in similar circumstances

Generalized conditioned punisher

A conditioned punisher that has been paired with a variety of other punishers (unconditioned and conditioned)

Punisher

AKA aversive stimulus is a consequence that makes a particular behavior less likely to occur in the future

How does positive punishment differ from negative punishment?

Positive: Behavior is followed by the presentation of a stimulus (a punisher) and the behavior is weakened Positive refers to the consequence (i.e. adding a stimulus) Negative: Behavior is followed by the removal of a stimulus (a reinforcing/pleasurable stimulus) and the behavior is weakened Negative refers to the consequence (i.e. subtracting a stimulus) Both positive and negative punishment weaken behavior present stimulus: + punishment (give chores) remove stimulus: - punishment (take away $)

What is the principle of punishment?

Punishment process: 1. Behavior occurs prior to any stimulus 2. Performance of behavior results immediately in a consequence (punisher) 3. The behavior is weakened by the consequence and thus less likely to occur again in the future in similar circumstances Present ----> Behavior is followed by a consequence Future ----> Behavior is less likely to occur Punishment can be effective, but it is often problematic because of its side effects E.g., spanking, yelling, criticism, etc. A punisher is the aversive consequence or aversive stimulus that follows the behavior that results in a decreased probability of the behavior occurring in the future. Consequences are not punishers simply because they APPEAR to be unpleasant!! Consequences are punishers only when they weaken a behavior!!!!!

How are unconditioned punishers different from conditioned punishers?

Unconditioned Punishers: -Have biological significance -Do not require conditioning (i.e., learning) Examples: Painful stimuli, extreme levels of stimulation (hot, cold, visual, auditory, etc.), removal of unconditioned reinforcers Conditioned Punishers: -Previously neutral stimuli -Acquired by conditioning (i.e., learning) via pairing with other punishers Examples: The word "no"; reprimands, threats, and warnings; disapproving facial expressions

What are the advantages and disadvantages of punishment?

advantages: -Results can be very rapid -Behavior that may be resistant to other forms of treatment may respond to punishment -May be positive side-effects, such as generalization -May lead to complete suppression of the unwanted behavior disadvantages: -Generalized suppression of all responses -Increased arousal levels -Increased attempts at escape and avoidance -Models aggressive behavior and the use of punishment to control others -Punishing person may resort to punishment more often -->Negative reinforcement for the use of punishment -Punishment needs to be repeated -Undesirable emotional responses (aggression, etc.) .....it is (generally) less effective! Ethical issues: Is it ok to harm another person or animal as our means to attain a goal?

Difference between extinction and negative punishment

johnny interrupts parents then his parents reinforce the behavior by giving him attention by scolding him each time extinction- withholding parents attention each time he interrupt - punishment- loss of some other reinforcer like allowance$ or watching TV Punishment vs. Extinction Punishment : -Immediate decrease in target behavior -No extinction bursts Extinction : -Gradual decrease in target behavior -Extinction bursts common

What are the similarities and differences between punishment and reinforcement?

present stimulus: --> increase behavior + reinforcement (give money) --> decrease behavior + punishment (give chores) remove stimulus: -->increase behavior - reinforcement (take away chores) --> decrease behavior - punishment (take away $) Operant Conditioning->Reinforcement (Increase Behavior)->Positive (Add appetitive stimulus) ->Negative->Active Avoidance(Behavior avoids noxious stimulus) ->Negative-> escape (remove noxious stimulus) Operant Conditioning->Punishment(Decrease Behavior) ->Positive(Add noxious stimulus) ->negative(Remove appetitive stimulus)