Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

In behavior analysis, the designation SP- stands for negative punishment. This term refers to the removal of a stimulus, typically a pleasant or reinforcing one, following a behavior that results in a decrease in the frequency of that behavior in the future. The process effectively reduces the likelihood that the behavior will occur again because the individual learns that engaging in that behavior leads to the loss of something desirable.

Understanding the context of negative punishment is important: while it involves taking away a positive reinforcer, it is distinct from positive punishment, which would involve adding an adverse stimulus to decrease a behavior. Neutral stimuli and reinforcement do not align with the concept of SP- either, as they refer to other aspects of behavior analysis. Neutral stimuli do not affect behavior in a reinforcing or punishing manner, while reinforcement involves the addition of a stimulus to increase a behavior. Thus, identifying SP- as negative punishment helps clarify its role in behavior modification through the removal of reinforcing stimuli.