Which statement best distinguishes negative reinforcement from punishment?
ABoth negative reinforcement and punishment increase the same response identically
BNegative reinforcement reduces a response, punishment increases an avoidance response
CNegative reinforcement increases an avoidance response, punishment reduces a response
DBoth negative reinforcement and punishment reduce the same response identically
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Negative reinforcement increases an avoidance response, punishment reduces a response
1. The chapter explicitly warns that negative reinforcement is not the same as punishment.
2. Punishment is described as a procedure that reduces or suppresses a response.
3. Negative reinforcement is described as increasing the probability of avoidance or escape response.
4. The seat belt example illustrates negative reinforcement: drivers wear belts to avoid injury or fines.
5. Distractor 2 swaps the two effects.
6. Hence negative reinforcement increases avoidance, while punishment reduces a response.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Psychology Ch 5 "Learning", p. 82, Determinants of Operant Conditioning_
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