Which option is an example of negative punishment?

Which option is an example of negative punishment?

• A. Food rewards after a desired behavior
• B. Turning one's back on the dog, leaving the dog abruptly, removing toy, withholding food
• C. Loosened lead
• D. Giving a treat during misbehavior

Answer: (B)

Negative punishment involves taking away something the dog wants after an unwanted behavior, with the goal of reducing how often that behavior occurs. In the example, turning your back on the dog, walking away abruptly, removing a toy, or withholding food all remove a desirable consequence to discourage the misbehavior. By denying access to attention, play, or food, the dog learns that the unwanted action leads to losing access, so the behavior is less likely to happen again. Other options illustrate different principles. Providing food rewards after a desired behavior is positive reinforcement—it strengthens good behavior by adding a reward. Giving a treat during misbehavior also reinforces that misbehavior by offering a reward. A loosened lead is more about removing an aversive stimulus when the dog responds appropriately, which is negative reinforcement, not negative punishment.

Negative punishment involves taking away something the dog wants after an unwanted behavior, with the goal of reducing how often that behavior occurs. In the example, turning your back on the dog, walking away abruptly, removing a toy, or withholding food all remove a desirable consequence to discourage the misbehavior. By denying access to attention, play, or food, the dog learns that the unwanted action leads to losing access, so the behavior is less likely to happen again.

Other options illustrate different principles. Providing food rewards after a desired behavior is positive reinforcement—it strengthens good behavior by adding a reward. Giving a treat during misbehavior also reinforces that misbehavior by offering a reward. A loosened lead is more about removing an aversive stimulus when the dog responds appropriately, which is negative reinforcement, not negative punishment.