PS261 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Normative Social Influence, Reinforcement
Document Summary
In most punishment situations, the target response is simultaneously maintained by a schedule of positive reinforcement. Student punished for violating dress code is simultaneously reinforced for breaking the rules by social approval from his/her peers. The effects of punishment always depend on the reinforcer that maintains the target response. Drug addict that continues taking drug even if it costs them their job, family, health, house etc. If the punished response is the only activity available for obtaining reinforcement, punishment will be much less effective than if an alternative reinforced response is made available with the introduction of punishment. Children punished for playing with certain toys are less likely to play with them if they"re allowed to play with other toys instead. Reinforcement for alternative behaviour increases the effectiveness of mild punishment in suppressing self injurious behaviour in individuals with severe developmental disibilities.
