Negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior because an aversive stimulus is removed. Which scenario best illustrates this principle?

• A. The buzzer stops sounding after a student answers correctly.
• B. A sticker is given after a correct answer.
• C. A time-out is imposed for misbehavior.
• D. A punishment is administered after a misbehavior.

Answer: (A)

Negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus. In this scenario, the buzzer is unpleasant. When the student answers correctly, the buzzer stops, removing the aversive stimulus. That relief reinforces the correct answering behavior, making it more likely to occur again to avoid the buzzer.

By contrast, giving a sticker is positive reinforcement (adding a desirable stimulus to increase the behavior). A time-out is a negative punishment (removing access to reinforcement) to decrease misbehavior. Administering a punishment adds an aversive consequence to reduce behavior (positive punishment).