Negative reinforcement vs. punishment
A patient finds that lying in a dark room relieves her migraine. Over time, she retreats to a dark room more often at the first sign of pain. Which process best explains the change in her behavior?
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus. Nothing is added here; the pain is removed.
B
Correct. Removing an aversive stimulus (pain) increases the behavior. Specifically, this is escape learning, a form of negative reinforcement.
C
Punishment decreases a behavior. Her behavior increases.
D
Classical conditioning pairs stimuli to produce an involuntary response. Her voluntary behavior is shaped by its consequence, which is operant conditioning.
TakeawayReinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases it. Positive adds, negative removes.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps1.