How is positive punishment defined?

Positive punishment is defined as providing a stimulus to decrease behavior. This involves introducing an undesirable consequence or stimulus following a behavior with the intention of reducing the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future. For example, if a student speaks out of turn in class and receives a reprimand from the teacher, the reprimand is a stimulus that aims to discourage that behavior.

In this context, "positive" refers to the addition of a stimulus rather than a notion of being good or bad. The fundamental principle is that applying a negative consequence will create an aversive situation that the individual will want to avoid, leading to a decrease in the undesired behavior. Understanding this definition is crucial in special education, as educators often utilize various behavior management techniques to support students' modification of behavior in a constructive manner.