FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

According to behavior theory, what is the role of negative reinforcement?

1. To decrease the likelihood of a behavior

2. To eliminate all undesired behaviors

3. To encourage desired behavior by removing stimuli

4. To instill intrinsic motivation in students

The correct answer is: To encourage desired behavior by removing stimuli

Negative reinforcement plays a significant role in behavior theory by encouraging desired behaviors through the removal of aversive stimuli. In this context, when a specific behavior leads to the elimination of an unpleasant or undesirable condition, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future increases. For example, if a student studies to avoid the stress of failing a test, the act of studying is reinforced negatively because it removes the unpleasant feeling associated with failure. This mechanism effectively increases the frequency of the desired behavior (studying) by reducing an aversion (stress from potentially failing). Understanding this concept is crucial as it highlights how certain strategies can be employed in educational settings to motivate students effectively. Positive outcomes associated with the removal of negative conditions can be utilized to foster a positive learning environment.