Following a response with the removal of something unpleasant is called

• A. positive reinforcement.
• B. punishment by removal.
• C. extinction.
• D. negative reinforcement.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of negative reinforcement: It involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
2. Differentiate between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement: Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior, while negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus.
3. Clarify the concept of punishment by removal: This involves taking away a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior, which is different from negative reinforcement.
4. Explain extinction: Extinction occurs when a behavior decreases because it is no longer reinforced, which is not related to the removal of an unpleasant stimulus.
5. Identify the correct term: Recognize that the removal of something unpleasant to increase a behavior is defined as negative reinforcement, not positive reinforcement, punishment by removal, or extinction.