What behavioral concept explains why someone might slow down when seeing a police car?

The concept that explains why someone might slow down upon seeing a police car is negative reinforcement. In this context, the act of slowing down is a behavior performed to avoid the unwanted consequence of getting a speeding ticket, which typically involves a fine or legal repercussions. By reducing speed, the driver is likely to prevent the discomfort and negative outcome associated with being pulled over, which reinforces the behavior of slowing down in the future.

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus (in this case, the potential consequence of a ticket) when a specific behavior occurs, thereby increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. The presence of the police car serves as a cue that prompts the driver to engage in the desirable behavior of reducing speed to avoid an undesirable situation.

In this scenario, slowing down is not just about obedience to traffic laws but is also deeply rooted in the desire to avoid negative outcomes, making negative reinforcement the most fitting explanation for this behavior.