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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Psychology => Topic started by: #J.Procrastinator on October 05, 2013, 03:56:09 pm

Title: Concept of punishment
Post by: #J.Procrastinator on October 05, 2013, 03:56:09 pm

Hey! Can someone please explain the notion of positive and negative punishment to me? Also, what's the difference between response cost and negative punishment, if any?

Any help is appreciated! :)

Title: Re: Concept of punishment
Post by: Damoz.G on October 05, 2013, 04:06:19 pm

Hello!

* Negative Punishment - TAKING AWAY something from a person to decrease the possibility of unwanted behaviour occurring again. e.g. Confiscating a phone from a student whilst at school.
* Positive Punishment - GIVING an UNPLEASANT consequence following undesirable behaviour. e.g. Running extra laps around the basketball court for being late to training.

Put simply, Negative Punishment is TAKING AWAY something from an individual, whereas Positive Punishment is GIVING something that is UNPLEASANT.

There is no difference between Negative Punishment and Response Cost. Because Negative Punishment is taking away something, it is commonly REFERRED to as a Response Cost. e.g. A speeding fine. Money is being TAKEN AWAY from you, and the Response Cost is the fee paid for speeding.

Happy to further explain it if you need me to! :)

Title: Re: Concept of punishment
Post by: #J.Procrastinator on October 05, 2013, 04:12:02 pm

Oh I see, thanks for clarifying!!

Title: Re: Concept of punishment
Post by: Damoz.G on October 05, 2013, 04:18:31 pm

No worries. :)

Just don't get mixed up between Negative Reinforcement and Punishment!

Title: Re: Concept of punishment
Post by: #J.Procrastinator on October 05, 2013, 04:53:39 pm

Punishment= WEAKENING of a response or decreases the chances of the undesired response occurring again
Reinforcement= STRENGTHENING of a preceding response to increase the chances of it occurring again?

Are there any more differences?