Punishment is a consequence that causes a behavior to occur with less frequency.
Extinction is the lack of any consequence following a behavior.
Examples of Reinforcement and Punishment (Positive & Negative)
- Positive reinforcement: Giving candy to a child for picking up the toys.
- Negative reinforcement: Being nagged on by a spouse to take out the garbabe - and taking out the garbage to stop the nagging.
- Positive punishment: Reprimanding your child for running into the street.
- Negative punishment: Taking away a child's television privileges for "talking-back" to a parent.
Distinguishing between "positive" and "negative" can be challenging. The following videos may help to make some sense of it all (or some of it, at least).
