Feedback that strengthens undesirable behavior is which type of reinforcement?

• A. Positive Reinforcement
• B. Punishment
• C. Extinction
• D. Negative Reinforcement

Answer: (D)

Reinforcement that strengthens a behavior happens when the consequence that follows removes something unpleasant. In this case, the undesired behavior is being strengthened because the feedback acts to take away an aversive condition after that behavior occurs. For example, if continuing the undesired behavior leads to the removal or relief from nagging, pressure, or another negative stimulus, the learner becomes more likely to repeat that behavior to escape the aversive part. That removal of an unpleasant condition is what makes the behavior more likely, which is the essence of negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement would involve adding a reward for the desired behavior, punishment would introduce something unpleasant to reduce a behavior, and extinction would involve removing all reinforcement to decrease a behavior.