An example of negative reinforcement is: a. putting coins in a ...

[TVarnum]

An example of negative reinforcement is:
 
  a. putting coins in a broken soft drink machine.
  b. giving bonuses to workers even when they fail to excel.
  c. nagging a spouse to stop smoking.
  d. spanking a child to make him or her stop using expletives.

Question 2

For changing behavior from undesirable to desirable, Skinner believed that punishment is:
 
  a. more effective than positive reinforcement.
  b. as effective as negative reinforcement.
  c. less effective than extinction.
  d. often ineffective.

[chloejackso]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
FEEDBACK: Negative reinforcement is not the same as punishment. A negative reinforcer is an aversive or noxious stimulus, the removal of which is rewarding. We can see examples of negative reinforcement in everyday situations. A person may stop smoking to avoid the aversive stimulus of a nagging spouse or colleague. The aversive stimulus (the nagging) should cease when the desirable behavior (not lighting a cigarette in the home or office) is displayed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
FEEDBACK: Skinner said that punishment was ineffective in changing behavior from undesirable to desirable or from abnormal to normal. He stated, What's wrong with punishments is that they work immediately, but give no long-term results. The responses to punishment are either the urge to escape, to counterattack, or a stubborn apathy. These are the bad effects you get in prisons or schools, or wherever punishments are used.

[TVarnum]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[cassie_ragen]

Wow, this really help