rbt D.5 Punishment Procedures

By RBThub February 23, 2026

"Punishment" sounds scary. But in ABA, punishment doesn't mean being mean or angry. It just means a consequence that makes a behavior go DOWN.

If you touch a hot stove, you burn your hand. You never touch the stove again. The burn was "Positive Punishment" (pain was added). It taught you a valuable safety lesson instantly.

Executive Summary

This video demystifies Punishment. It explains that Positive (+) means Adding and Negative (-) means Removing. We learn that punishment is effective but risky—it can cause aggression, fear, and modeling of bad behavior. Therefore, you should always try Reinforcement first.

⏱️ Video Timeline

00:35
The Basics
Reinforcement Increases behavior. Punishment Decreases behavior. Memorize this rule first.
01:48
Positive Punishment
Adding an aversive stimulus to decrease behavior. (e.g., Reprimands, adding chores, overcorrection).
09:05
Negative Punishment
Removing a desired stimulus to decrease behavior. (e.g., Time-out, Response Cost/Fines).
05:36
The Risks
Punishment can make the child fear YOU (you become a conditioned punisher). It also doesn't teach them what to do, only what not to do.

🔑 Key Insights

The Golden Rule: Punishment is defined by its effect on future behavior. If the behavior didn't decrease, it wasn't punishment.
Positive Punishment: Adding something unpleasant. (e.g., "Stop that!" or "Clean up this mess").
Negative Punishment: Losing something good. (e.g., Losing 5 minutes of recess).
Ethical Warning: Always pair punishment with reinforcement for a replacement behavior. Never punish in a vacuum.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Time-Out Positive or Negative Punishment?
A: Negative. You are removing the child from the "Fun" environment (Time Out from Positive Reinforcement).
Q: Why should I try Reinforcement first?
A: Reinforcement teaches new skills and builds a good relationship. Punishment only suppresses bad behavior and can damage the relationship.

1. The Punishment Matrix

This is the "Evil Twin" of the Reinforcement Matrix. Same logic, opposite result.
Behavior Decreases? (YES) POSITIVE (+) (Adding) "Something Bad Added" NEGATIVE (-) (Removing) "Something Good Removed"
Examples

Positive Punishment (+): Reprimand ("No!"), Restitutional Overcorrection (Cleaning up the mess).
Negative Punishment (-): Time Out, Response Cost (Fines).

2. Common Punishment Procedures

Response Blocking:
Physically stopping the movement. (Positive Punishment).
Overcorrection:
Making them fix the environment better than it was before. (e.g., Clean your mess + clean the whole room).
Response Cost:
Taking away a token or privilege. (Negative Punishment).
Side Effects

Punishment can cause:
1. Aggression/Emotional Outbursts.
2. Escape/Avoidance (Running away from you).
3. Negative Modeling (They learn to punish others).

📝 Knowledge Check

Is it + or -?

Q1: A student talks in class. The teacher takes away 5 minutes of recess. The student stops talking. What is this?

Answer: Negative Punishment.
Recess (Good Thing) was REMOVED. Behavior DECREASED.

Q2: A dog jumps on you. You spray it with water. The dog stops jumping. What is this?

Answer: Positive Punishment.
Water (Aversive Stimulus) was ADDED. Behavior DECREASED.
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Reduction Quiz

Mock Exam

Test your knowledge on Positive vs. Negative Punishment.

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