Which term refers to the removal of a stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring?

The term that refers to the removal of a stimulus to decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring is known as negative punishment. This concept is grounded in behavioral psychology, where the principle revolves around the idea of removing a desirable stimulus following a behavior to reduce the frequency of that behavior in the future.

In the context of behavior modification, negative punishment emphasizes the consequences of certain actions. For instance, if a child is removed from a playgroup for misbehavior, the absence of the enjoyable activity (playing with peers) serves as a deterrent against repeating the misbehavior. By withdrawing a positive stimulus, it is less likely that the undesirable behavior will occur again.

This term distinguishes itself from the others: positive punishment involves adding an aversive stimulus to decrease a behavior, while negative reinforcement entails removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior. Positive reinforcement, conversely, refers to adding a rewarding stimulus to encourage a behavior. Thus, understanding negative punishment is essential in applying behavioral interventions effectively in communication disorders.