Conditioned Punisher
Also called: secondary punisher, learned punisher
Definition
A stimulus that has acquired the ability to decrease behavior through a history of being paired with other punishers. A stern "no" or a warning tone are common examples. Like conditioned reinforcers, they can lose their effect if the pairing stops, and they can become reinforcing instead if they reliably produce attention.
In plain language
Something that came to reduce behavior because it was paired with things that already did. A firm "no" is a common example.
Example
A warning light on a machine reduces careless handling after workers learn it precedes a shock.
Not conditioned punisher
Pain from touching a hot pan. Its effect on behavior needs no learning history.
See also
Written from
- azrin-holz-1966
Written from Azrin and Holz (1966). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.