This week, we explore another basic principle of behavior—punishment. Punishment

This week, we explore another basic principle of behavior—punishment. Punishment decreases behavior. Many misconceptions about punishment exist, but when used correctly, it is an important part of the learning process. Punishment is a consequence that follows a behavior and decreases the future likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Decreasing behaviors is a common task for behavior analysts, so it is important to understand how punishment works.
For this assignment, complete the following:
Define both positive and negative punishment. Be sure to explain how they are similar and how they are different in your definitions.
Provide two real-world, detailed examples of how positive punishment could be used to decrease behaviors you would like to see occur less often. Also, provide two real-world, detailed examples of how negative punishment could be used to decrease behaviors you would like to see occur less often. For example, a parent may use negative punishment by removing television privileges when his or her child curses. Another parent may use positive punishment by requiring the child to write the sentence “I will use nice words” 100 times after cursing.
Be sure to label the three-term contingency in your examples.
Be sure to explain why the examples you chose illustrate that procedure.
Additional Requirements
Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:
Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines. Review the Evidence and APA section of the Writing Center for more information on how to cite your sources.
Resources: 1–2 scholarly or professional resources.
Length: 3 double-spaced pages, in addition to the title page and references page.
Refer to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Research Guide links to an external site. for help finding resources.
Refer to the Positive and Negative Punishment rubric to ensure you understand the grading criteria for this assignment.
Week 6 Assignment 1 – Positive and Negative Punishment – Scoring Guide
CriteriaRatingsPts
Define positive and negative punishment.
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10 to >8.5 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Thoroughly defines positive and negative punishment using support from the textbooks.8.5 to >7 pts
PROFICIENT
Defines positive and negative punishment.7 to >0 pts
BASIC
Defines only one term, or the definitions lack important detail.0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not define positive and negative punishment./ 10 pts
Compare the similarities and differences between positive and negative punishment.
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20 to >17 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Comprehensively compares the similarities and differences between positive and negative punishment using support from the textbooks.17 to >14 pts
PROFICIENT
Compares the similarities and differences between positive and negative punishment.14 to >0 pts
BASIC
Attempts to compare positive and negative punishment, but only discusses similarities or differences, but not both.0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not compare positive and negative punishment./ 20 pts
Describe two examples of positive punishment.
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25 to >21.25 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Describes two examples of positive punishment, and explains why they are examples of positive punishment.21.25 to >17.5 pts
PROFICIENT
Describes two examples of positive punishment.17.5 to >0 pts
BASIC
Describes only one example of positive punishment, the example is incorrect, or the descriptions lack important detail.0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not describe any examples or does not correctly describe examples of positive punishment./ 25 pts
Describe two examples of negative punishment.
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25 to >21.25 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Describes two examples of negative punishment, and explains why they are examples of negative punishment.21.25 to >17.5 pts
PROFICIENT
Describes two examples of negative punishment.17.5 to >0 pts
BASIC
Describes only one example of negative punishment, the example is incorrect, or the descriptions lack important detail.0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not describe any examples or does not correctly describe examples of negative punishment./ 25 pts
Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
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10 to >8.5 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Demonstrates an academic writing style through well-organized prose that contains no significant grammatical or mechanical errors and follows assignment guidelines.8.5 to >7 pts
PROFICIENT
Demonstrates an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.7 to >0 pts
BASIC
Demonstrates minimally acceptable writing style, but still has instances of disorganization, grammatical or mechanical errors, or does not follow all assignment guidelines.0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not demonstrate an academic writing style./ 10 pts
Demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.
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10 to >8.5 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Develops a paper that is fully compliant with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.8.5 to >7 pts
PROFICIENT
Demonstrates compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.7 to >0 pts
BASIC
Demonstrates minimally acceptable compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not demonstrate compliance with APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.