What is the definition of negative reinforcement?

Negative reinforcement is defined as the process of increasing a desired behavior by removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus. In this context, taking something away, typically something unpleasant or undesirable, leads to an increase in the likelihood that a behavior will occur again in the future. For example, if a student studies hard to avoid the anxiety of failing a test, the removal of that anxiety serves as negative reinforcement, ultimately encouraging the study behavior.

The other options describe different concepts within behavioral psychology. Adding a stimulus to decrease a behavior refers to punishment, which is distinct from negative reinforcement. Offering praise is a form of positive reinforcement, enhancing behavior through the addition of a rewarding stimulus. Withholding privileges to discourage actions also pertains to punishment rather than reinforcement and serves to decrease unwanted behaviors. Thus, the definition of negative reinforcement focuses specifically on the removal of adverse elements to foster positive behavioral changes.