Michael

Thank you for explaining to me to understand the terms punishment and reinforcement. I understand the theme on learning much better now.

Best wishes,
Jenny

Thanks for your positive comments. I’m glad you’re finding useful info here. To answer your questions:

1) This would be an example of positive punishment. A punishment is being applied (scolding) with the goal of getting the child to stop a behavior (playing with fire).

2) This would be an example of negative reinforcement. You’re doing a behavior (taking medication) in order to take away something negative (headache).

Thanks again,

Michael

I would like to thank you sincerely for setting up thepsychfiles which is a creative and educational website. As a student studying Psychology, I enjoy listening to your podcasts especially the ones that teach me how to memorise the parts of the brain and Erikson’s eight stages.

I need your help on Operant conditioning. Are the following cases positive/negative punishments or reinforcements?

1. When a parent scolds a child for playing with fire.
2. You take some medication for your headache.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you =)

Best wishes,
Jenny