What is a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again?

Study for the Kent State General Psychology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

A punisher is a consequence designed to reduce the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. In behavioral psychology, punishment involves presenting an unpleasant stimulus or removing a pleasant one following a specific behavior. This response makes the individual less likely to engage in that behavior in the future.

For example, if a child touches a hot stove and experiences pain, the pain serves as a punisher. The unpleasant experience decreases the likelihood that the child will touch the stove again.

In contrast, a reinforcer, which is another option, actually increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated by providing a positive consequence or removing an adverse one. A stimulus, in a general sense, refers to anything that elicits a response but does not specifically relate to increasing or decreasing behavior. A conditioned response is a learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has been associated with an unconditioned stimulus, making it distinct from the concept of punishment and its effect on behavior.