5.11 : Punishment

Negative reinforcement and punishment are often confused but serve distinct functions in behavior modification. Reinforcement, whether positive or negative, increases the likelihood of a desired behavior, while punishment decreases it.

Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior. Importantly, punishment only qualifies as such if it successfully reduces the behavior.

B.F. Skinner emphasized that punishment has several drawbacks:

1. It tells the organism what not to do but not what to do: A child punished for throwing a tantrum doesn't learn how to express frustration constructively.
2. It can create anxiety, which impedes learning: A student punished for making mistakes may become anxious, fearing the teacher, and may struggle to learn the correct answers.
3. It may encourage subversive behavior: A child punished for stealing might learn to steal only when their parents aren't watching rather than understanding why stealing is wrong.
4. It may model aggression as acceptable behavior: A child spanked for misbehavior might think hitting is acceptable and may start hitting others when angry.

Effective punishment must be immediate and appropriately matched to the behavior. For instance, making a child write, "I will not run into the street," can effectively discourage dangerous behavior. However, physical punishment, such as spanking, can teach fear and model aggression, leading to increased aggression and antisocial behavior in children.

Skinner and his followers advocate for reinforcement over punishment, particularly when shaping long-term behavior. They suggest rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesired ones. This approach not only promotes positive behavior but also mitigates the negative side effects associated with punishment. For instance, praising a child for sharing toys is more effective and healthier than punishing them for not sharing. Reinforcement fosters a positive learning environment and encourages the desired behavior through positive experiences.