In operant conditioning, what is a "response cost"?

In operant conditioning, a "response cost" specifically refers to the removal of a reinforcer following an undesired behavior, which serves as a form of punishment. This concept is grounded in the principles of behavior modification; when a positive stimulus that was previously reinforcing a behavior is taken away, it decreases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

For example, if a child loses playtime (a reinforcing activity) for misbehavior, the loss of that enjoyment functions as a response cost aimed at discouraging the undesired behavior. This strategy contrasts with other methods of reinforcement or punishment. Understanding response cost is crucial for applying operant conditioning methods effectively in real-life situations, such as in educational settings or behavior management programs.