Punishment

As a parent, we are forced to punish our children to lessen the probability that behavior will occur again in the future. We want to focus more on reducing or eliminating undesirable behaviors, punishment frequently mistakenly with negative reinforcement. Take note that reinforcement always increases the probabilities that your child’s behavior will occur and punishment always decreases the probabilities that behavior will arise.

According to behaviorist B. F. Skinner (an American psychologist best-known for his influence on behaviorism) there two different kinds of aversive stimuli that can be used as punishment.

Positive Punishment

Also known as “punishment by application”, it involves presenting an unfavorable outcome or event following an undesirable behavior. For example, adding chores and responsibilities when he/she fails to follow the rules.

Negative Punishment

Also known as “punishment by removal”, it means the removal of certain favorite items or stimuli from the individual’s life. For example, removing strict parental controls on the internet or TV when a child proves herself responsible enough to handle more mature content.

You have to consider whether the punishment is effective or not, it depends on different cases. Like for example when someone sent to jail after they are released, they tend to continue committing crimes.

Punishment seems to work in some instances, but not with others. Our researchers found a number of factors that contribute to how effective punishment is in different circumstances. Punishment often leads to a reduction in behavior if it immediately follows the behavior. Prison sentences more likely to occur long after the crime has been committed that may help explain why sending people to jail does not always enough to reduce criminal behavior.

Punishment accomplishes better results when it is consistently implemented. It can be challenging to govern a punishment each time a behavior occurs. The best example is, people often continue to drive over the speed limit even after receiving an over speeding ticket because the behavior is inconsistently punished.