What example best illustrates negative reinforcement?

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Prepare for your FLVS Psychology 1 Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get exam ready now!

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior being repeated. In the context of the chosen example, when a parent allows a child to skip chores for performing well on a test, this means that the unpleasant task of doing chores is removed because of the positive behavior of studying and achieving a good score. This removal encourages the child to continue performing well academically in order to avoid the chore, illustrating how negative reinforcement functions effectively.

In contrast, other examples do not depict negative reinforcement. Rewarding a child with extra playtime for completing homework is an example of positive reinforcement, as it adds a pleasant stimulus (playtime) to encourage a behavior (homework completion). Similarly, giving candy to students for being quiet also adds a rewarding element to a desired behavior. Providing medication for pain management is more about treating a condition rather than reinforcing a specific behavior. Hence, the situation described in the chosen example highlights the essence of negative reinforcement through the avoidance of chores based on the child's performance.

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