Psych VCAA 2015 exam question 10c??
Students could gain one mark for identifying punishment (or negative punishment) as the learning
principle. Positive punishment was not an acceptable response (this relates to application of an
negative stimulus, rather than taking away a desired stimulus). The act of taking away a desired
activity/positive reinforcer as a consequence for an undesirable behaviour (i.e. not completing
homework) is what makes this punishment, rather than negative reinforcement. Students could
then gain another mark if they explained how punishing the undesirable behaviour (i.e. not doing
homework) might be effective in producing the desired response. This aspect of the question
focused on motivating a desired response. The best response to this aspect of the question was to
indicate that punishment of the undesirable behaviour may motivate Najida to do her homework so
as to avoid this punishment.
Is the answer produced by vcaa contradicting?? Can't tell whether it's saying negative reinforcement or punishment is the answer? Can someone explain please? THANK YOU!!