When a consequence decreases the likelihood of a behavior, what is this process generally called?

The process in which a consequence decreases the likelihood of a behavior is known as punishment. Punishment refers specifically to a scenario where a behavior is followed by an adverse consequence or the removal of a positive stimulus, which leads to a reduction in that behavior's frequency.

Understanding this concept is crucial in behavior analysis, as it highlights the impact of consequences on behavior modification. In practice, when implementing behavioral interventions, the focus is often on increasing desirable behaviors through reinforcement or decreasing undesirable behaviors through punishment. Recognizing the specific definition of punishment helps practitioners apply it effectively in programming and treatment goals for individuals.

By differentiating punishment from other processes such as reinforcement, conditioning, and extinction, one can better analyze and influence behavior through appropriate strategies. Reinforcement serves to increase behavior, conditioning encompasses learning processes, and extinction refers to the decrease of a behavior when reinforcement is no longer provided. Thus, the term punishment specifically captures the intent and effect of reducing behavior through negative consequences.