{"id":14609,"date":"2023-08-25T18:30:06","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T18:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/?p=14609"},"modified":"2023-08-25T18:30:07","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T18:30:07","slug":"negative-reinforcement-examples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/negative-reinforcement-examples\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Negative Reinforcement Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/negative-reinforcement-examples-and-definition-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"negative reinforcement examples and definition, explained below\" class=\"wp-image-31985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/negative-reinforcement-examples-and-definition-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/negative-reinforcement-examples-and-definition-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/negative-reinforcement-examples-and-definition-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/negative-reinforcement-examples-and-definition.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"featurebox\"><strong>Negative reinforcement involves taking away something that is very unpleasant when a person does something that we want. This encourages the behavior because the person feels relief whenever the behavior is repeated.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The whole goal of negative reinforcement is to increase the chances of someone doing an action again so that they can feel the relief over and over again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Managers, parents, and coaches can all implement a negative reinforcement strategy. They will create a link between a desired action and something aversive being removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Negative reinforcement is often used in educational settings as well. For example, a teacher might reduce homework if students behave in class or do well on an exam.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of Negative Reinforcement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Temper tantrums &#8211; <\/strong>A child cries (unpleasant stimulus) until the parent removes the vegetables from the table (desired behavior). Parents are trained to remove vegetables to stop the crying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Homework Holiday &#8211; <\/strong>A teacher says they will not assign any homework this weekend (unpleasant stimulus) if the students behave in the playground (desired behavior). The children are incentivized to be well-behaved so they don\u2019t get homework.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Needy and Naughty &#8211; <\/strong>A child misbehaves (unpleasant stimulus) until the teacher gives them attention (desired behavior). When the teacher diverts their attention away, the unpleasant stimulus starts again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recess when you\u2019re Done &#8211; <\/strong>A teacher keeps students behind in class at recess time (unpleasant stimulus) until they finish their work (desired behavior).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Working Off Detention &#8211; <\/strong>Misbehaving students have earned their class 20 minutes of detention at lunch (unpleasant stimulus). The teacher says that the students can work off the detention time by behaving for the rest of the day (desired behavior).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exercise as Unpleasant Stimulus &#8211; <\/strong>A PE teacher says if you get an A in the exam (desired behavior) then you won\u2019t have to run laps on Friday (unpleasant stimulus).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Teasing &#8211; <\/strong>A child learns that they are less likely to be teased (unpleasant stimulus) if they conform to the fashion of the year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nagging your Sibling &#8211; <\/strong>A teenager wants his older brother with his drivers license to drive her to the mall. He refuses, so she nags him (unpleasant stimulus) until he agrees to drive her there (desired behavior).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public Shaming &#8211; <\/strong>At weekly staff meetings, the manager shames everyone who didn\u2019t meet their goals (unpleasant stimulus). Staff members are incentivized to finish their work by deadlines (desired behavior) so the weekly public shaming will stop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Returning the Cell Phone &#8211;<\/strong> Parents have taken their child\u2019s cell phone off her. If she behaves (desired behavior), then the children can get the cell phone back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Negative Reinforcement Examples Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Temper Tantrum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teachers that work with toddlers have to have a lot of patience. The \u201cterrible twos\u201d can be\u2026 terrible. Children at this age cry very easily. They can get frustrated with lots of tasks, like putting on a coat or trying to do a simple puzzle.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although children may not seem very bright at this age, they can be very clever and know how to get their way. For example, if a teacher puts some vegetables on a child\u2019s plate at lunchtime, and that child does not want to eat those vegetables, the child may throw a quite vocal tantrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crying loudly is a very unpleasant stimulus. So, the teacher immediately takes the veggies off the plate. Then, the child stops crying. This is a classic example of a toddler applying negative reinforcement to shape their teacher\u2019s behavior.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toddlers may only be two, but they\u2019re smarter than they look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. No Homework on the Weekend if\u2026.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No one likes to do homework on the weekends. So, every Friday presents an opportunity for teachers to apply a little negative reinforcement in the classroom.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a primary school teacher can explain to their students that if everyone is well-behaved on the playground, which means sharing toys and getting along with each other, then there will be no homework that weekend.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Immediately after recess, when the students have all returned from outside, the teacher can announce the homework status.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By removing the aversive stimulus of doing homework, the teacher has increased the goal behavior of sharing and getting along with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Needy and Naughty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We often look at educational settings from only one perspective. But in reality, each scenario is more dynamic and several elements of operant conditioning can be operating simultaneously.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, when a student is being disruptive, the teacher will direct their attention toward that student. Then, when the student stops being disruptive, the teacher will withdraw that attention and move on to another student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This scenario can be seen from two perspectives. On the one hand, the child\u2019s disruptive behavior is being rewarded in the form of teacher-attention. Thus, increasing the likelihood of the student\u2019s disruptive behavior occurring again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, when the teacher gives the student attention, the student starts to behave. The student\u2019s disruptive behavior is the negative reinforcer, and the teacher\u2019s attention is the goal behavior. So, when the goal behavior increases, the aversive stimulus is removed. Thus, increasing the likelihood of the teacher\u2019s behavior occurring again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Staying After Class Until Work is Finished<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Getting students to complete their work on time is a constant battle for most teachers. Especially for some kids that are easily distracted and real busy bodies, they just can\u2019t sit still long enough to complete their work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is when teachers have to rely on their knowledge of operant conditioning. For example, when it is time for recess the teacher may make some students stay inside to finish their work. When they complete the assignment that all of the other students have finished, then they can go outside to play too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this scenario, staying inside is the negative reinforcer; finishing the assignment is the goal behavior. So, when the students engage in the goal behavior, the negative reinforcer will be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. P.E. Class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sometimes P.E. class is a lot of fun, and sometimes it isn\u2019t. Playing kickball and volleyball are always exciting, but doing push-ups or running laps are not.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ultimate goal of P.E. class is for students to develop skills such as hand\/eye coordination and be healthy. Most school systems have health standards that students must meet, such as being able to do calisthenics for a certain period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But being healthy is not just about physical health, it also means knowing about nutrition and healthy habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the P.E. teacher tells the class that each student that gets an A on the exam Friday will not have to run laps on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The negative reinforcer is running laps and the goal behavior is getting an A on the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Reducing Household Chores<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Most parents must endure two main dilemmas when they children become teenagers. One is paying for all the stuff they want, and the other is getting them to do their household chores.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to household chores, getting them done can be like pulling teeth. Teenagers just don\u2019t want to do them. There are so many other important things to do in life, like texting friends and making Tik Tok videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, a clever parent can establish a new system of \u201cteenager management\u201d. It works like this: If the teenager can find ways to make earn some of their own money, such as cutting grass or washing and waxing cars, then they can eliminate two of their least favorite chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this system the parent is applying negative reinforcement. When the teenager increases their earning money behavior, the unpleasant stimulus of doing chores will be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Going to the Dentist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Most kids absolutely do not want to go to the dentist. But, if they don\u2019t practice proper oral hygiene, that is exactly what they will have to do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, parents can set up a behavioral chart system to shape their child\u2019s behavior. First, take a sheet of paper and draw a daily chart on it that has at least two boxes for each day of the week. Each time the child brushes and flosses, they put a check-mark in the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of three months, the parents count the number of times the child brushed and flossed at least twice a day. If a certain threshold score is obtained, then the child doesn\u2019t have to go to the dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The parents are increasing the goal behavior of proper oral hygiene by removing an unpleasant stimulus when that behavior is engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Public Criticism from a Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No one likes to be criticized in public. It is embarrassing and if ever there was an example of an aversive stimulus, this would be one of them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, some bosses use this tactic frequently when a member of the team underperforms. It\u2019s not a highly recommended leadership style, especially in the 21<sup>st<\/sup> century, but it still exists in a lot of companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the one hand, you can look at this scenario from the perspective of the public scolding being punishment for bad performance. On the other hand, from a different perspective it is an example of using negative reinforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The employee will try harder to do well to avoid being criticized in front of colleagues. Here, he is <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/avoidance-learning\/\">engaging in active avoidance learning<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Removing Internet Time Use Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One key principle of all operant conditioning techniques is that the reinforcers have to be something that the individual values. Of course, these days there may be nothing a teenager values more than the internet. So, this is a very powerful reinforcer for parents to use to their advantage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If parents want to increase their child\u2019s sense of responsibility and helping out around the house, then they can use time on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, until a certain number of chores each week are completed, the teenager is forbidden to use the internet. This should spark any teenager into immediate action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this scenario, the negative reinforcer is restricted internet access and the goal behavior is doing household chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the chore-doing behavior increases, then the restrictions are removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Nagging an Older Sibling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nagging is a very unpleasant <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/conditioned-stimulus-examples\/\">conditioned stimulus<\/a>. Some people will do almost anything (the <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/conditioned-response-examples\/\">conditioned response<\/a>) to get the nagging to stop. So, this can be a very useful strategy to get what we want.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, one teenager really wants to go to the mall but isn\u2019t old enough to drive. So, he constantly nags his older brother, who can drive, to take him to the mall. He starts nagging early Saturday morning all through breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later in the day when his brother is playing video games, he sporadically interrupts to ask again, and again. This situation becomes so annoying that, eventually, the older brother agrees to take his younger sibling to the mall, if he will \u201cjust stop pestering me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as his brother agrees to take him to the mall, the nagging stops. The aversive stimulus has been removed and the goal behavior achieved.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Negative Reinforcement vs Punishment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"featurebox\"><strong>Negative reinforcement is part of <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/operant-conditioning-examples\/\">operant conditioning<\/a> developed by psychologist B. F. Skinner in the 1960s. By controlling the consequences of an action, it is possible to shape those actions and make them more or less likely to occur.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people confuse negative reinforcement with punishment. There are two main differences:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, negative reinforcement is implemented to increase the occurrence of a goal behavior, but punishment is implemented to decrease the occurrence of a <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/target-behavior\/\">target behavior<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondly, negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus, but punishment involves applying an unpleasant stimulus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Negative reinforcement requires the student to work for the removal of an unpleasant stimulus; to get remove something that is unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/positive-reinforcement-examples\/\">Positive Reinforcement Examples<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/primary-reinforcer-examples\/\">Primary Reinforcers in Psychology<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Negative reinforcement and punishment are easily confused. They both sound <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/aversive-conditioning\/\">aversive<\/a>. However, negative reinforcement increases behavior by <em>removing<\/em> something unpleasant, while punishment decreases behavior by <em>applying <\/em>something unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though there is a distinction, they can both operate simultaneously in the same situation. Learning situations are dynamic and organic, so pinning down the functioning of only one element of operant conditioning is limiting and incomplete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teachers often use negative reinforcement to shape their students\u2019 behavior. By promising to eliminate an unwanted assignment or task, they encourage a specific behavior and make it more likely to occur. Not to be outdone, toddlers can shape the behavior of the adults in their lives by throwing a fit until they get their way.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adibsereshki, N., Abkenar, S. J., Ashoori, M., &amp; Mirzamani, M. (2015). The effectiveness of using reinforcements in the classroom on the academic achievement of students with intellectual disabilities. <em>Journal of Intellectual Disabilities,19<\/em>(1), 83\u201393.<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1744629514559313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Doi:&nbsp; https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1744629514559313<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Iwata, B. (2006). On the distinction between positive and negative reinforcement. <em>The Behavior Analyst, 29<\/em>(1), 121-123. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/BF03392123\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/BF03392123<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Skinner, B. F. (1965). <em>Science and human behavior<\/em>. New York: Free Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sugai, G., &amp; Horner, R. (2002). The Evolution of Discipline Practices: School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports. <em>Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 24<\/em>, 23-50. Doi: <a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1300\/J019v24n01_03\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1300\/J019v24n01_03<\/a>Thorndike, E. L. (1905). <em>The elements of psychology<\/em>. New York: A. G. Seiler.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Negative reinforcement involves taking away something that is very unpleasant when a person does something that we want. This encourages the behavior because the person feels relief whenever the behavior is repeated. The whole goal of negative reinforcement is to increase the chances of someone doing an action again so that they can feel the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14609","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"Chris Drew (PhD)","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"authorship-box-avatar":false,"authorship-box-related":false,"authorship-post-flat":false,"authorship-post-cards":false,"authorship-post-thumbs":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Chris Drew (PhD)","author_link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/author\/chris-drew-phd\/"},"uagb_comment_info":2,"uagb_excerpt":"Negative reinforcement involves taking away something that is very unpleasant when a person does something that we want. This encourages the behavior because the person feels relief whenever the behavior is repeated. The whole goal of negative reinforcement is to increase the chances of someone doing an action again so that they can feel the&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14609","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14609"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14609\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31986,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14609\/revisions\/31986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}