Positive

Presentation of a stimulus

Negative

Removal of a stimulus

Reinforcement

A stimulus event following a behavior that increases the future frequency of that type of behavior in similar conditions.

Punishment

A stimulus event following a behavior that decreases the future frequency of that type of behavior in similar conditions.

Positive Reinforcment

Antecedent: Teacher poses a question to the class
Behavior: Student answers correctly
Consequence: Verbal praise

In this scenario, the presentation (positive) of a stimulus (verbal praise) increases the future frequency (reinforcement) of the behavior (answering questions).

Negative Reinforcement

Antecedent: Alarm clock goes off in the morning
Behavior: Hit 'Snooze' button
Consequence: Alarm turns off, continue to sleep

In this scenario, the removal (negative) of a stimulus (alarm clock) increases the future frequency (reinforcement) of the behavior (hitting snooze).

Positive Punishment

Antecedent: Open lane on highway
Behavior: Speeding in car
Consequence: Receive a ticket, slow down

In this scenario, the presentation (positive) of a stimulus (speeding ticket) decreases the future frequency (punishment) of the behavior (speeding).

Negative Punishment

Antecedent: TV loses signal
Behavior: Throw controller at TV, break screen
Consequence: Can not longer watch TV

In this scenario, the removal (negative) of a stimulus (TV now broken) decreases the future frequency (punishment) of the behavior (throwing controller).