Learning Principles

Module 4

Punishment is not negative reinforcement

• Punishment is very different from negative reinforcement.  The biggest difference is that punishment is an environmental response that suppresses behavior.  This is in contrast to reinforcement which always increases behavior.  In behavioral terms, always label the environmental response based on its affect upon the preceding behavior, not on any quality or desirability of the response.

  

  Punishment comes in two varieties: withdrawal punishment or presentation punishment.  Withdrawal punishment is the removal of something in the environment that causes some suppression in behavior.
     R(operant behavior) =======> withdrawal punishment child hits classmate =======> teacher withholds recess

  

  Presentation punishment is the addition (presentation) of something to the environment, that causes suppression of behavior.
    R(operant behavior) =======> withdrawal punishment child hits classmate =======> teacher paddles child

  

  Skinner believed that punishment was not effective as a learning mechanism for a variety of reasons.

  (1) Any change in behavior is only temporary.  Once the punishment or threat of punishment is removed, the baseline behavior is likely to return.

  (2) A variety of undesirable emotional states may result including frustration and guilt.  Ultimately, these states may impair later learning.

  (3) At times, the punishment may decrease or suppress behaviors not intended to be suppressed.  As an example, punishment in school may not only decrease disruptive behavior, but may decrease school effort and attendance.

  (4) Most importantly, punishment never generates new behavior.  By its nature, punishment suppresses behavior, and may create a behavioral void.  In some instances, more pro-social may erupt to fill the void, but this is uncertain.

  

  Because new behavior is not learned through punishment, Skinner recommends reinforcing behavior that is incompatible with the undesirable behavior.  This will teach new behaviors that allows for more effective interaction with the world.

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