Overview & Description:

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an undesired stimulus to increase the likelihood of a particular behavior being repeated in the future. It strengthens behavior by removing something unpleasant when the desired behavior is exhibited.

Example:

If a student studies and performs well on a test, they might be excused from doing a particular chore (unpleasant stimulus). This could increase the likelihood that they will study well in the future.

Implications:

Negative reinforcement has broad applications in various domains like education, work environments, and behavioral therapies, forming strategies that enhance desirable behaviors.

References:

• Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis. Appleton-Century.

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