Negative punishment is defined as removing something positive to decrease behavior. Which of the following is an example?

• A. Taking away a cookie after misbehavior.
• B. Spanking a child.
• C. Giving extra chores after misbehavior.
• D. Praising good behavior.

Answer: (A)

Negative punishment takes away something desirable to decrease a behavior. In the example, taking away a cookie after misbehavior removes a positive, desirable item, which lowers the likelihood of the misbehavior happening again. Spanking introduces an aversive consequence, so that’s positive punishment, not negative punishment. Extra chores also add an unpleasant consequence, which is another form of positive punishment. Praising good behavior increases it, which is positive reinforcement, not punishment. So the cookie removal best illustrates negative punishment.