Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

In negative punishment, what happens to the punisher?

1. The punisher is added to the environment

2. The punisher is removed from the environment

3. The punisher is ignored

4. The punisher is magnified

The correct answer is: The punisher is removed from the environment

Negative punishment involves the removal of a stimulus following a behavior that reduces the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future. In this context, the "punisher" refers to a stimulus that is taken away to decrease an undesired behavior. For example, if a child misbehaves and as a consequence loses access to a favorite toy, the act of removing the toy serves as negative punishment. This leads to a decrease in the unwanted behavior, as the individual learns that such behavior results in the loss of something desirable. This understanding highlights the core principle of negative punishment: it is not the addition of a negative stimulus as with positive punishment, but rather the removal of a stimulus that reinforces or is desired by the individual. This is essential in applied behavior analysis as it helps in designing effective behavior intervention plans that focus on modifying behavior by altering the consequences associated with it.