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Athabasca University
Psychology Learning & Behavior Exam 4
Study Guide Questions and Answers Latest
2026
Use of punishment Ans: Use of punishment is widespread;
although it is used less and less by psychologists as a treatment
tool, it is frequently used by parents, teachers, employers,
supervisors, legislators, international bodies, and others.
Distinction between positive and negative punishment Ans: They
are analogous to positive and negative reinforcement. Punishment
and negative reinforcement both involve aversives, but
punishment reduces the frequency of behavior whereas negative
reinforcement strengthens it.
Positive adds a stimulus and negative removes an aversive
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Variables affecting punishment Ans: Contingency, contiguity, the
intensity of the punisher, the initial level of intensity, and
alternative means of obtaining reinforcement.
Punishment can produce unwanted side-effects Ans: Escape,
aggression, apathy, abuse, and imitation of the punisher.
Alternatives to punishment Ans: Response prevention, extinction,
and various forms of differential reinforcement.
Differential reinforcement Ans: Any of several procedures in
which reinforcement of a desired behavior or rate is combined,
when possible, with extinction of an unwanted behavior.
DRA
- pg. 249 Ans: A form of differential reinforcement in which
reinforcement is made available for a specified alternative to an
unwanted behavior. DRA gives the animal another way of
obtaining the same reinforcement.
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DRI Ans: A form of differential reinforcement in which behavior
that is incompatible with an unwanted behavior is systematically
reinforced.
DRL Ans: A form of differential reinforcement in which
reinforcement is provided only when the behavior occurs at a
specified low rate.
Negative punishment Ans: A form of punishment in which a
behavior is followed by the removal of, or a decrease in the
intensity of, a stimulus. This stimulus is ordinarily something the
individual seeks out. Fines are a good example because something
we typically seek (money) is taken away. Other examples: take
away privileges, such as eating dessert, watching TV, playing a
game, or using a computer.
Penalty training Ans: Another name for negative punishment
Positive punishment Ans: A punishment procedure in which a
behavior is followed by the presentation of, or an increase in the
© 2025 All rights reserved
Athabasca University
Psychology Learning & Behavior Exam 4
Study Guide Questions and Answers Latest
2026
Use of punishment Ans: Use of punishment is widespread;
although it is used less and less by psychologists as a treatment
tool, it is frequently used by parents, teachers, employers,
supervisors, legislators, international bodies, and others.
Distinction between positive and negative punishment Ans: They
are analogous to positive and negative reinforcement. Punishment
and negative reinforcement both involve aversives, but
punishment reduces the frequency of behavior whereas negative
reinforcement strengthens it.
Positive adds a stimulus and negative removes an aversive
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Variables affecting punishment Ans: Contingency, contiguity, the
intensity of the punisher, the initial level of intensity, and
alternative means of obtaining reinforcement.
Punishment can produce unwanted side-effects Ans: Escape,
aggression, apathy, abuse, and imitation of the punisher.
Alternatives to punishment Ans: Response prevention, extinction,
and various forms of differential reinforcement.
Differential reinforcement Ans: Any of several procedures in
which reinforcement of a desired behavior or rate is combined,
when possible, with extinction of an unwanted behavior.
DRA
- pg. 249 Ans: A form of differential reinforcement in which
reinforcement is made available for a specified alternative to an
unwanted behavior. DRA gives the animal another way of
obtaining the same reinforcement.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 3 | Page
DRI Ans: A form of differential reinforcement in which behavior
that is incompatible with an unwanted behavior is systematically
reinforced.
DRL Ans: A form of differential reinforcement in which
reinforcement is provided only when the behavior occurs at a
specified low rate.
Negative punishment Ans: A form of punishment in which a
behavior is followed by the removal of, or a decrease in the
intensity of, a stimulus. This stimulus is ordinarily something the
individual seeks out. Fines are a good example because something
we typically seek (money) is taken away. Other examples: take
away privileges, such as eating dessert, watching TV, playing a
game, or using a computer.
Penalty training Ans: Another name for negative punishment
Positive punishment Ans: A punishment procedure in which a
behavior is followed by the presentation of, or an increase in the
© 2025 All rights reserved
