Which concept refers to strengthening a behavior by withholding an unpleasant event?

Which concept refers to strengthening a behavior by withholding an unpleasant event?

• A. Withholding a pleasant event to reduce a behavior.
• B. Providing a reward after a behavior.
• C. Withholding an unpleasant event to strengthen a behavior.
• D. Applying an unpleasant event to reduce a behavior.

Answer: (C)

Negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus. When the desired action occurs, the unpleasant condition is taken away, so the animal learns to perform that action again to avoid the discomfort in the future. For example, if a dog stops pulling on the leash when the pull is released, the temporary relief from tension reinforces staying by the handler. This differs from removing a pleasant thing to reduce a behavior, which would discourage the behavior; from giving a reward after a behavior, which adds a positive consequence to increase the behavior in a different way; and from adding an unpleasant event to reduce a behavior, which is punishment. The essence is that the behavior is strengthened because it leads to the removal of something unpleasant.

Negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus. When the desired action occurs, the unpleasant condition is taken away, so the animal learns to perform that action again to avoid the discomfort in the future. For example, if a dog stops pulling on the leash when the pull is released, the temporary relief from tension reinforces staying by the handler. This differs from removing a pleasant thing to reduce a behavior, which would discourage the behavior; from giving a reward after a behavior, which adds a positive consequence to increase the behavior in a different way; and from adding an unpleasant event to reduce a behavior, which is punishment. The essence is that the behavior is strengthened because it leads to the removal of something unpleasant.