Negative Reinforcement

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What is negative reinforcement?

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Negative reinforcement refers to increasing a desired behavior by removing something unpleasant.

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Example of negative reinforcement: Alarm clock

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Turning off an annoying alarm clock: The act of getting out of bed to turn off the alarm is reinforced by the removal of the unpleasant sound.

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Example of negative reinforcement: Seatbelt reminder

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Fastening your seatbelt to stop the car's reminder beep: The behavior of putting on your seatbelt is increased by the removal of the annoying beeping sound.

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Example of negative reinforcement: Umbrella

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Taking an umbrella to avoid getting wet in the rain: Carrying an umbrella is reinforced by the avoidance of getting soaked.

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Example of negative reinforcement: Studying

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Studying to avoid a bad grade on a test: Studying is reinforced by the removal of the potential for a poor grade.

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Example of negative reinforcement: Chores

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A child doing chores to avoid being grounded: Completing chores is reinforced by the removal of the threat of punishment.

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Example of negative reinforcement: Sunscreen

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Applying sunscreen to avoid sunburn: The act of applying sunscreen is reinforced by the avoidance of painful sunburn.

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Key point: Encouraging behavior

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Negative reinforcement involves taking something away to encourage a behavior, not giving something positive.

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Key point: Difference from punishment

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Negative reinforcement is different from punishment, where the goal is to decrease a behavior by adding something unpleasant.

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Settings for negative reinforcement

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Negative reinforcement can be used effectively in various settings, like parenting, education, and workplace training.