Negative reinforcement in behavioral terms refers to what?

Negative reinforcement in behavioral terms refers to the process of removing an unpleasant or aversive stimulus to encourage a desired behavior. This concept is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, which focus on how behaviors can be modified through rewards and punishments. By eliminating something that is negatively perceived, an individual is more likely to continue or increase the behavior that led to that removal.

For instance, if a student feels anxious about an assignment and their teacher offers to lessen the workload when the student completes their tasks, the removal of that anxiety-inducing workload serves as negative reinforcement. The student is then encouraged to engage in the desired behavior of completing assignments to continue avoiding the unpleasant feeling.

The other options do not describe negative reinforcement accurately. Adding a positive stimulus refers to positive reinforcement. Giving feedback relates more to communication and is not specifically about reinforcing behavior through the removal of a negative condition. Ignoring undesirable behaviors does not involve reinforcement but rather a passive approach that may not effectively alter behavior. Thus, the concept of removing an unpleasant stimulus is central to understanding negative reinforcement.