Which statement describes positive punishment?

• A. Removing a preferred item after a misbehavior.
• B. Adding something bad to decrease unwanted behavior.
• C. Ignoring the misbehavior.
• D. Providing a reward for good behavior.

Answer: (B)

Positive punishment is when an unpleasant consequence is added after a behavior to reduce how often that behavior occurs. By introducing something undesirable right after the misbehavior, the learner learns to avoid that action because it leads to an aversive outcome. The statement that describes adding something bad to decrease unwanted behavior matches this idea exactly. In contrast, removing a preferred item after misbehavior is negative punishment (taking away a good thing). Ignoring the misbehavior is a non-punishment approach (often extinction or a low-profile response), not punishment. Providing a reward for good behavior is positive reinforcement, which increases the likelihood of the desired behavior.