Arizona State University (ASU) PSY101 Introduction to Psychology Exam 3 Practice

Negative reinforcement refers to the process of increasing a behavior by removing an undesirable or unpleasant stimulus from a situation. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them.

When a behavior successfully leads to the removal of an unpleasant circumstance, it results in a more favorable outcome for the individual. This reinforcement encourages the repetition of the behavior in the future, as the individual learns that their actions can lead to the alleviation of discomfort or negativity.

For instance, if a student studies hard to avoid poor grades (an unpleasant stimulus), the act of studying is likely to be reinforced because it effectively removes the anxiety associated with failing. As a result, the student is likely to engage in studying more consistently in the future. This dynamic showcases how negative reinforcement serves to enhance and maintain certain behaviors through the removal of negative experiences.