Which of the following best describes a negative sanction in psychology?

• A. It is a neutral response that neither rewards nor punishes behavior.
• B. It is a reward given to encourage a particular kind of behavior.
• C. It is a form of positive reinforcement used to increase desired behavior.
• D. It is a punishment or penalty imposed to discourage undesirable behavior.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sanctions in psychology, which are responses to behavior intended to influence future actions.
2. Recognize that sanctions can be positive (rewards) or negative (punishments or penalties).
3. Identify that a negative sanction specifically refers to a punishment or penalty aimed at reducing or discouraging undesirable behavior.
4. Compare the options given: neutral responses do not influence behavior, rewards encourage behavior, and positive reinforcement increases desired behavior.
5. Conclude that the best description of a negative sanction is a punishment or penalty imposed to discourage undesirable behavior.