According to behaviorists, punishment is described as what?

• A. When a behavior is followed by a positive reinforcement
• B. When a behavior results in the termination of a positive reinforcement or introduction of a negative stimulus
• C. When a behavior is ignored
• D. When a behavior is rewarded secretly

Answer: (B)

Punishment in behaviorism is any consequence that makes a behavior less likely to occur again. It can work in two ways: by adding something unpleasant after the behavior (positive punishment) or by taking away something desirable after the behavior (negative punishment). The option described matches both: removing a positive reinforcer after the behavior reduces its future occurrence, and introducing an aversive stimulus also tends to decrease the behavior. That combination captures the essence of punishment as something that weakens a response.

The other ideas describe reinforcement or extinction rather than punishment. A describes giving a reward, which increases behavior. C describes ignoring a behavior, which is more about extinction or withholding attention. D describes a hidden reward, which still reinforces the behavior rather than punishes it.