In the context of stress and behavioral psychology, which of the following decreases the probability of a behavior recurring?

• A. Positive reinforcement
• B. Negative reinforcement
• C. Modeling
• D. Punishment

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key concepts: Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior, negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior, modeling involves learning behaviors by observing others, and punishment involves applying an unpleasant consequence to decrease a behavior.
2. Identify the goal: The question asks which option decreases the probability of a behavior recurring, so focus on which concept reduces behavior rather than increases it.
3. Recall the definitions: Positive and negative reinforcement both serve to increase behavior frequency, while modeling is a learning process that can increase or shape behavior.
4. Recognize that punishment is designed to reduce or suppress unwanted behavior by introducing a negative consequence or removing a positive stimulus.
5. Conclude that punishment is the correct answer because it decreases the likelihood that the behavior will happen again.