FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

In behavior theory, what is an example of negative reinforcement?

1. Addition of a positive stimulus

2. Removing a stimulus to increase behavior

3. Providing rewards for desired behaviors

4. Instilling fear to discourage misconduct

The correct answer is: Removing a stimulus to increase behavior

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant or aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior occurring in the future. In this context, when a particular action leads to the elimination of a negative condition, it encourages the repetition of that action. For instance, if a student studies hard and subsequently experiences less anxiety about a test, the reduction of anxiety reinforces the behavior of studying. The other options describe different scenarios. Adding a positive stimulus relates to positive reinforcement, which aims to increase behavior by providing a rewarding factor. Providing rewards for desired behaviors also falls under positive reinforcement. Instilling fear to discourage misconduct relates to punishment, which is focused on reducing undesirable behaviors. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing how different reinforcement strategies operate in behavior theory.