Which scenario is an example of positive punishment?

• A. A parent scolds a child for fighting with a sibling.
• B. A parent removes a privilege after misbehaving.
• C. A child is given extra allowance for chores.
• D. A child reduces screen time because of misbehavior.

Answer: (A)

Positive punishment adds an aversive consequence after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior happening again. Scolding a child for fighting introduces an unpleasant consequence right after the misbehavior, with the goal of reducing future fighting, so it’s positive punishment.

Removing a privilege, by contrast, takes away something desirable to decrease behavior—this is negative punishment. Giving extra allowance for chores adds a reward to encourage the behavior—positive reinforcement. Reducing screen time by misbehavior removes access to a preferred activity, which is also negative punishment.