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

• A. Taking away a cookie after misbehavior
• B. Providing extra recess after good behavior
• C. Spanking
• D. Verbal praise

Answer: (A)

Negative punishment means taking away something desirable to reduce a behavior. In this example, taking away a cookie after misbehavior removes a positive reinforcer the child enjoys, which makes the misbehavior less likely in the future. The other options illustrate different operant strategies: extra recess after good behavior is positive reinforcement (adding something desirable to increase a behavior); spanking is positive punishment (adding an aversive outcome to decrease a behavior); verbal praise is also positive reinforcement (adding a positive consequence to encourage the desired behavior). So removing the cookie best exemplifies negative punishment.