Which scenario is an example of negative reinforcement?

Which scenario is an example of negative reinforcement?

• A. Pressure from a slip/choke collar is released when the dog stops pulling.
• B. The dog is given a treat after sitting.
• C. The dog is scolded for barking.
• D. Attention is withheld after jumping.

Answer: (A)

Negative reinforcement happens when an unpleasant or aversive stimulus is removed as a consequence of a behavior, which makes that behavior more likely to occur again. In this scenario, pressure from a slip or choke collar is applied as the dog pulls. When the dog stops pulling, the pressure is released. The relief from that pressure serves as the reinforcement, teaching the dog that stopping pulling leads to an end to the discomfort, so the stopping behavior is more likely to happen again. The other scenarios illustrate different operant concepts: giving a treat after sitting is positive reinforcement (adding something desirable to increase the sit behavior). Scolding for barking is punishment (introducing an aversive to decrease the barking). Withholding attention after jumping is negative punishment (taking away attention to reduce the jumping).

Negative reinforcement happens when an unpleasant or aversive stimulus is removed as a consequence of a behavior, which makes that behavior more likely to occur again. In this scenario, pressure from a slip or choke collar is applied as the dog pulls. When the dog stops pulling, the pressure is released. The relief from that pressure serves as the reinforcement, teaching the dog that stopping pulling leads to an end to the discomfort, so the stopping behavior is more likely to happen again.

The other scenarios illustrate different operant concepts: giving a treat after sitting is positive reinforcement (adding something desirable to increase the sit behavior). Scolding for barking is punishment (introducing an aversive to decrease the barking). Withholding attention after jumping is negative punishment (taking away attention to reduce the jumping).