FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What effect do punishers have on behavior according to educational psychology?

1. They encourage repetition of behaviors

2. They eliminate all negative behaviors

3. They decrease the likelihood of behavior being repeated

4. They have no significant impact on behavior

The correct answer is: They decrease the likelihood of behavior being repeated

Punishers are mechanisms used in behavior modification that aim to decrease the likelihood that a specific behavior will be repeated. This is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely to occur in the future. When a punisher is applied, it provides a direct consequence, demonstrating to the individual that the behavior is undesirable. As a result, the intention behind implementing a punisher is to deter the behavior, leading to its reduction over time. While the goal of using punishers is to decrease undesired behaviors, it’s important to note that they do not necessarily eliminate all negative behaviors or encourage the repetition of desired behaviors. Additionally, if not used carefully, punishers can lead to avoidance, fear, or other unintended consequences, rather than a positive change in behavior.