Answer to Question #237999 in Psychology for Holi

Question

There are many individuals who view punishment (both positive and negative) as a necessary teaching method. This can vary from one culture to another as well as from one individual to the next. What are your views on using punishment in order to reduce unwanted behaviors? In what situations is it OK, and in what situations should it be discouraged? Provide examples and references, if appropriate.

Answer 1

I dispute the effectiveness of punishment in really changing behavior, even when it is given "correctly," claiming that the desired outcome is merely transient. I believe that people misuse punishment in the classroom, reducing its effectiveness. When people are unhappy or enraged, they punish. Anxiety, dread, fury, or hatred are felt by the recipient. Punishment can lead to increased resistance and hostility on the part of the person who is being punished. The punishment can also backfire—instead of punishing a child, spanking, for example, attracts a teacher's desired attention.

When punishment is used regularly, it produces better results. It can be tough to reprimand someone every time they engage in a certain activity (Cherry, 2021). People frequently continue to drive over the speed limit after receiving a speeding ticket, for example. Why? Because the consequences of the behavior are contradictory. Punishment that occurs shortly after the behavior and is given consistently is more likely to result in a reduction in behavior. Punishment should be avoided since it deprives you of something nice in response to bad behavior. Grounding, for example, is a positive punishment since it adds a negative consequence, but taking away the ability to attend a party is a negative punishment.

Reference

Cherry, K. (2021). How punishment influences behavior. Verywell Mind. Retrieved from, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-punishment-2795413.