Slide 1PunisherFunctional Definition of PunishmentPositive PunishmentNegative PunishmentReinforcers vs PunishersSlide 7ContingencyContiguityPunisher IntensityIntroductory Level of PunishmentReinforcement of the Punished BehaviorAlternative Sources of ReinforcementSlide 14Deprivation LevelTheories of PunishmentDisruption TheoryTwo-Process TheoryOne-Process TheoryWhy Use Punishment?Potential Problems with PunishmentPotential Problems with PunishmentPotential Problems with PunishmentPotential Problems with PunishmentPotential Problems with PunishmentAlternatives to PunishmentAlternatives to PunishmentAlternatives to PunishmentAlternatives to PunishmentChapter 7PunishmentPunisherConsequence (aversive stimulus or event) that follows behavior that results in a decrease in the future probability of the behaviorConsequence (aversive stimulus or event) that follows behavior that results in a decrease in the future probability of the behaviorFunctional Definition of Punishment1. The occurrence of a behavior2. Results immediately in a consequence3. The behavior is decreased (less likely to occur again in the future in similar circumstances)Children fight over toyImmediately Parent removes toy from playResponseConsequenceOutcome: Child is less likely to fight over toyPositive PunishmentBehavior is followed by the presentation of a punisher or negative stimulus and the behavior is less likely to occur in the future.Negative PunishmentBehavior is followed by the removal of a reinforcing stimulus and the behavior is less likely to occur in the future.Reinforcers vs PunishersBehavior Increases(more likely in future)Behavior Decreases(less likely in future)Stimulus Delivered Positive Reinforcement Positive PunishmentStimulus Removed Negative Reinforcement Negative PunishmentVariables Influencing PunishmentContingencyContiguityPunisher IntensityIntroductory Level of PunishmentAlternative Sources of ReinforcementDeprivation LevelContingencyDegree of correlation between a behavior and its consequencePunishment happens only in response to a behavior and not when that behavior does not occurContiguityInterval between a behavior and its punishing consequenceThe shorter this interval the faster learning occursPunisher Intensity“All studies of the intensity of punishment have found that the greater the intensity of the punishing stimulus, the greater is the reduction of the punished responses”Azrin and Holz (1966)Skinner and Thorndike concluded that punishment has little effectBoth of their experiments used weak punishers like a “slap” of a lever or a “wrong” from a teacherWRONG!WRONG!“All studies of the intensity of punishment have found that the greater the intensity of the punishing stimulus, the greater is the reduction of the punished responses”Azrin and Holz (1966)Introductory Level of PunishmentUsing an effective level of punishment from the beginning is extremely importantAzrin and Holz (1966)If a weaker punisher is used and gradually increased the resulting effective punisher will be more intense than if the correct intensity was used to begin withGroup 1 Mild Shock 335 volts Trial 1 Trial 750Group 2 No Shock 335 volts Trial 1 Trial 750Rats run at same paceRats running is inhibitedReinforcement of the Punished BehaviorThe effectiveness of a punishment procedure depends on the frequency, amount, and quality of reinforcers of the behaviorAlternative Sources of ReinforcementPunishment is more effective if given an alternative way to obtain the reinforcementLearning and Behavior, Sixth Edition by Paul ChanceCopyright © 2009 Wadsworth Publishing, a division of Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.Deprivation LevelThe greater the level of reinforcer deprivation, the less effective a punisher isLearning and Behavior, Sixth Edition by Paul ChanceCopyright © 2009 Wadsworth Publishing, a division of Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.Theories of PunishmentDisruption TheoryTwo-Process TheoryOne-Process TheoryDisruption TheoryBoe and Church (1967)Shocks contingent on lever pressing were much more effective at reducing lever presses than non-contingent shocksPunishment reduces behavior rates because it arouses incompatible behaviorIf true; contingency is not importantTwo-Process Theory•LeverCS•ShockUS•Fear for shock and leverCR•Escape and Avoid leverOperant ComponentPavlovian and operant proceduresLever ALever ALever BLever BIf a rat were trained to press A and B in sequence, then this theory would mean that the rat would only stop pressing lever B and not both A and BOne-Process TheoryPunishment is the mirror image of reinforcementPunishment is the mirror image of reinforcementOpposite of Premack principle shows that a low-probability behavior will punish high probability behaviorOpposite of Premack principle shows that a low-probability behavior will punish high probability behaviorWhy Use Punishment?Punishment is negatively reinforcedPunishment is a fast procedurePunishment can be permanentPunishment has beneficial side effectsPotential Problems with Punishment EscapeEscapeIndividuals subject to frequent punishment become good at escaping and avoiding it (lying, suicide)Individuals subject to frequent punishment become good at escaping and avoiding it (lying, suicide)Potential Problems with Punishment AggressionAggressionSometimes the subject reacts aggressively to the use of punishment on their behaviorSometimes the subject reacts aggressively to the use of punishment on their behaviorAn effective way to exert control over those who punishAn effective way to exert control over those who punishNot always directed at source of punishmentNot always directed at source of punishmentPotential Problems with Punishment ApathyApathyIf escape and avoidance are not an option, general suppression of behavior will occurIf escape and avoidance are not an option, general suppression of behavior will occurNot only punished behavior (malaise)Not only punished behavior (malaise)Potential Problems with Punishment AbuseAbuseMild forms of punishment can gradually build up to stronger and stronger consequencesMild forms of punishment can gradually build up to stronger and stronger consequencesPotential Problems with Punishment Imitation of the PunisherPeople who have seen others use punishment to change behavior may be more likely to use it when faced with a similar situationPeople who have seen others use