Which statement defines negative reinforcement?

• A. The removal of an aversive stimulus strengthens the behavior.
• B. The introduction of a desired reward strengthens the behavior.
• C. The removal of a desired reward weakens the behavior.
• D. The introduction of an aversive stimulus weakens the behavior.

Answer: (A)

Negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus when that behavior occurs. In dog training, a classic example is applying gentle leash pressure when a dog pulls, and immediately releasing the pressure when the dog stops pulling. The removal of the unpleasant pressure after the desired response reinforces that response, making it more likely the dog will pull less in the future.

This is different from positive reinforcement, which adds a desirable reward to increase a behavior. It’s also not about removing a desired reward (that would be a form of negative punishment) or introducing an aversive stimulus that makes a behavior less likely (that would be positive punishment).