Which scenario demonstrates negative reinforcement?

• A. The loud noise stops when a child puts on headphones.
• B. A time-out is given for misbehavior.
• C. A reward is given for finishing a task.
• D. TV privileges are revoked for misbehavior.

Answer: (A)

Negative reinforcement increases a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. In this scenario, the loud noise stops when the child puts on headphones, so the act of putting on headphones is reinforced because it eliminates the aversive sound. The other examples illustrate punishment (time-out and revoking TV privileges) or positive reinforcement (a reward for finishing a task), which do not involve removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.