Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

The correct answer is Removing a homework assignment for good behavior because negative reinforcement involves strengthening a desired behavior by removing or subtracting an unpleasant stimulus.

• Step 1 (Deconstructing the Term): In behavioral psychology, 'negative' means a stimulus is subtracted or taken away from the environment, while 'reinforcement' means the ultimate goal is to increase the frequency of a desired behavior.


• Step 2 (Classroom Application): When a teacher waives an assignment (removing an undesired task) because students demonstrated excellent focus, the students experience a sense of relief. This relief increases the likelihood that they will behave well again in the future.


• Incorrect Options:
  
  
  
  • Praising a student for good work is incorrect because it is an example of positive reinforcement, where a pleasant stimulus (verbal praise) is added to increase a behavior.
  
  
  • Giving a detention for misbehavior is incorrect because it is an example of positive punishment, where an unpleasant consequence (detention) is added to decrease or stop an unwanted behavior.
  
  
  • Giving a reward is incorrect because adding a tangible prize or token following an action is a standard mechanism of positive reinforcement.