Extinction vs. Negative Punishment

Key Concepts

• Extinction

  • A behavior that was previously reinforced no longer receives reinforcement.
  • Example: A person yelling no longer gets attention as reinforcement.
  • Outcome: Behavior decreases because it is no longer effective or reinforced.
  • Concept: No reinforcement is provided anymore; the behavior happens but nothing follows it.

• Negative Punishment

  • The target behavior occurs and a reinforcer is removed as a consequence.
  • Example: Parents take away a child's cell phone as a consequence of breaking a rule.
  • Outcome: Behavior decreases because the removal of the desired item is aversive.
  • Concept: Something desirable is actively taken away following the behavior.

Differences Between Extinction and Negative Punishment

• Extinction

  • No new consequences are introduced.
  • The behavior simply stops receiving the reinforcement it once did.

• Negative Punishment

  • Introduces a new consequence by taking something away.
  • Direct removal of a reinforcer following the behavior.

Summary

• Extinction: Involves stopping the reinforcement that maintains a behavior.
• Negative Punishment: Involves the removal of a reinforcer directly after a behavior.