Define negative reinforcement.

Negative reinforcement refers to a process in which the strength of a behavior increases because an aversive stimulus is removed following that behavior. In this context, when an individual engages in a specific behavior that leads to the removal of something unpleasant or annoying, they are more likely to repeat that behavior in the future to experience the relief again.

For example, if a student studies hard to avoid failing an exam (an aversive situation), and as a result, they pass, the removal of the fear of failing serves as a negative reinforcer that increases their studying behavior. This reinforcement is different from punishment, where the goal is to decrease a behavior rather than increase it.

Understanding negative reinforcement helps clarify how certain behaviors are strengthened over time by the removal of negative conditions, illustrating the dynamic nature of learning and behavior in both animals and humans.