What are the two types of punishment?

The two types of punishment are categorized as positive punishment and negative punishment. Positive punishment involves presenting an aversive stimulus after a behavior occurs, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will not be repeated. For example, if a student is given extra homework for disruptive behavior, the added work serves as a positive punishment aimed at reducing that disruptive behavior.

Negative punishment, on the other hand, involves removing a desirable stimulus following a behavior, also in an effort to reduce the occurrence of that behavior. For instance, if a teenager loses access to their mobile phone as a consequence of staying out past curfew, that removal of a desirable item is meant to discourage them from breaking the curfew in the future.

Understanding the distinction between these two types is crucial for effectively applying punishment within behavioral frameworks, as each type uses a different method to influence behavior change. The other options focus on different concepts of behavior, such as reinforcement or types of punishment that don't align with the standard definitions used in behavioral psychology.