What issue arises from Mrs. Webb's response-cost procedure regarding students who say "shut up"?

The identification of the response-cost fine as potentially being too great in Mrs. Webb's response-cost procedure is crucial for understanding the balance between encouraging appropriate behavior and discouraging negative behavior. In a response-cost system, students lose privileges or points as a consequence of their actions. If the fine for saying "shut up" is set at a level that is perceived as too harsh, it might lead to several unintended consequences, such as resentment, reduced motivation, or rebellion among the students.

Moreover, if students feel that the penalties are too severe, they may not see the fines as a fair or reasonable consequence, which can decrease their engagement with the behavior-modification process and create a negative classroom environment. An effective response-cost system requires carefully calibrated penalties that correspond to the seriousness of the misbehavior and that the students understand the expectations clearly.

Considering this, the idea of the fine being too great ties into the broader principles of behavior management and an understanding of reinforcement principles in educational psychology, emphasizing not just the need for discipline but also the importance of maintaining a supportive learning environment.