How does reinforcement differ from punishment?

Reinforcement differs from punishment primarily in its effect on behavior. Reinforcement is designed to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated by providing a reward or positive outcome when that behavior occurs. This leads to a strengthening of the behavior, as the individual learns to associate the behavior with a favorable result.

On the other hand, punishment aims to decrease the likelihood of a behavior by introducing an unfavorable outcome or consequence when the behavior occurs. This results in the behavior being weakened, as the individual comes to associate the behavior with negative consequences.

Therefore, the correct understanding emphasizes that reinforcement increases behavior, while punishment decreases behavior, clearly illustrating their opposing roles in the context of behavior modification.