FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What outcome is associated with the application of negative reinforcement?

1. Increased likelihood of avoiding the adverse stimulant

2. Decreased motivation among students

3. Stagnation in behavior change

4. Reduction of positive feedback

The correct answer is: Increased likelihood of avoiding the adverse stimulant

The application of negative reinforcement leads to the increased likelihood of avoiding an adverse stimulant, which is the correct outcome. Negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant or aversive stimulus when a desired behavior occurs. This process increases the probability that the behavior will be repeated in the future to avoid the negative condition. For instance, if a teacher reduces homework for students who complete their tasks on time, the removal of the homework acts as a negative reinforcement, encouraging students to continue completing their work on time to avoid the homework burden. On the other hand, the other options describe scenarios that are not directly tied to the principles of negative reinforcement. Decreased motivation among students is more closely related to a lack of interest or engagement in the learning process rather than the effects of negative reinforcement. Stagnation in behavior change suggests that behaviors are not evolving, which is the opposite of what negative reinforcement tends to promote. Lastly, a reduction of positive feedback does not align with the concept of negative reinforcement; instead, positive feedback is an entirely different reinforcement strategy that focuses on encouraging behavior through rewards rather than the removal of negative stimuli.