Punishment occurs every day in families, schools, and workplaces. But often the intended results fail to occur. When punishment must be used, what are five guidelines that should be followed?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? To maximize the intended effects of punishment and to minimize the negative side effects, the following guidelines should be followed:
? Severity—Should be proportional to offense. A small fine is suitable for parking illegally or littering, but inappropriate for someone who commits assault.
? Initial punishment level—The initial level of punishment needs to be sufficiently strong to reduce the likelihood of the offense occurring again.
? Contiguity—Punishment is most effective when it occurs immediately after the behavior.
Long delays in punishment are known to reduce its effectiveness.
? Consistency—Punishment should be administered consistently. A parent who only occasionally punishes a teenager for breaking her curfew will probably have less success in curbing the behavior than a parent who uses punishment consistently.
? Show alternatives—Punishment is more successful, and side effects are reduced, if the individual is clear on how reinforcement can be obtained by engaging in appropriate behaviors.
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