OPERANT CONDITIONING WORKSHEET
For each of the following operant conditioning situations, identify whether this is an example of
positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, or negative punishment.
Briefly explain your choice.
1. Jamie spanks his child for playing in the street.
Positive Punishment
2. An “A” on exam that you studied real hard for.
Pos Reinforcement
3. Brie cleans her room to keep her parents off her back.
NR
4. Getting a paycheck.
PR
5. Reducing anxiety by smoking a cigarette.
NR
6. Embarrassing a student for giving a wrong answer.
PP
7. Taking an aspirin to relieve a headache
NR
8. Receiving a hug from your parents after throwing a temper tantrum.
PR
9. Getting fired from your job because you show up late to work.
NP 12. In order to receive his allowance Jake cleans up his room regularly.
PR
14. After Cassie flirted with someone else at the party, her boyfriend stopped talking to her.
Cassie didn’t flirt at the next party.
NP