PSY2606 ABA Lecture 6 punishment

Lecture 6: Punishment

Overview of Punishment

  • Punishment is a basic principle of behavior.

  • Derived from both basic and applied research.

  • May play a role in behavior modification procedures.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Defining Punishment

  1. Occurrence of a Behavior

  2. Immediate Consequence

    • A consequence follows the behavior quickly.

  3. Future Probability

    • Results in a decrease in the likelihood of the behavior occurring again.

    • Involves a decrease in future probability of the behavior.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

What is Positive Punishment?

  1. Following the behavior...

  2. An aversive stimulus (punisher) is applied or presented.

  3. Results in decreased likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

What is Negative Punishment?

  1. Following the behavior...

  2. A reinforcer is withdrawn or removed.

  3. Leads to decreased likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

What is a Punisher?

  • A stimulus following a behavior that leads to a decrease in the likelihood of that behavior.

  • Also referred to as an aversive stimulus.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Differentiating Reinforcers and Punishers

  • Positive Punishment: Punisher is delivered - behavior decreases in the future.

  • Negative Reinforcement: Punisher is removed - behavior increases in the future.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcer is delivered - behavior increases in the future.

  • Negative Punishment: Reinforcer is removed - behavior decreases in the future.

  • Distinction between Negative Punishment and Extinction.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Reinforcement and Punishment Summary

Positive (+)

  • To add, present, provide.

    • Reinforcement: Behavior increases in the future.

    • Positive Punishment: A stimulus is provided, leading to a decrease in behavior.

Negative (-)

  • To remove, take away.

    • Negative Reinforcement: A stimulus is removed, leading to an increase in behavior.

    • Negative Punishment: A stimulus is removed, leading to a decrease in behavior.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Types of Punishers

Unconditioned Punishers

  • Definition: Events with biological importance and require no conditioning to be effective.

  • Examples: Painful stimuli and extreme stimulation (heat, cold, auditory, visual).

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Conditioned Punishers

  • Definition: A previously neutral stimulus paired with an established punisher becomes a punisher itself.

  • Examples: "No", reprimands, threats, warnings, disapproving facial expressions.

  • Determined by their impact on behavior.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Factors Influencing Punishment

  • Immediacy

  • Contingency

  • Establishing operations

  • Intensity

  • Individual differences

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Potential Problems with Punishment

  • Emotional reactions to punishment.

  • Negative reinforcement for using punishment.

  • Modeling of punishment behavior.

  • Ethical issues surrounding punishment.

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021

Final Thought

  • Quote by Albert Einstein: "If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."

  • Source: Roberta Farrugia Debono - 2021