Describe How Negative Reinforcement Differs from Punishment

question 111

Short Answer

Describe how negative reinforcement differs from punishment.
In general, reinforcement causes response likelihoods to increase. Responses can be strengthened (reinforced) either by presenting positive reinforcers or by removing negative reinforcers. Negative reinforcement the likelihood of behavior by allowing the organism to escape or avoid aversive stimuli. In escape learning, an organism learns to perform a behavior that decreases or ends aversive stimulation (turning on the air conditioner). In avoidance learning, an organism learns to prevent or avoid some aversive stimulation (turn on the a/c before it gets too hot).
In general, punishment causes response likelihoods to decrease. Punishment occurs when an event following a response the tendency to make that response. Punishment is much more than disciplinary procedure; punishment may involve presentation of an aversive stimulus (spanking) or removal of a rewarding stimulus (taking away TV).

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Definitions:

Cervical Biopsy

A medical procedure in which a small section of tissue is removed from the cervix for examination under a microscope to detect abnormalities or disease.

Histology Laboratory

A specialized facility for preparing and examining tissues under a microscope to study the structure and function of cells, often for medical diagnosis.

D&C

Dilation and curettage, a surgical procedure to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus.

Cervix

The lowest portion of the uterus that extends into the vagina.