Ms. Smythe keeps Eric after school whenever he swears in class. Even though Eric has been kept afterschool each day for the past three weeks, his swearing has increased rather than decreased. Given what we knowabout the effects of punishment on behavior, Ms. Smythe should probably conclude that:
A. Her punishment is only temporarily suppressing Eric’s swearing.
B. The punishment is too severe.
C. Eric’s swearing will decrease eventually.
D. Staying after school is reinforcing for Eric.

D. Staying after school is reinforcing for Eric.

Explanation: When an individual is punished for exhibiting a certain behavior or stimulus, exhibiting such stimulus in the future is very likely to decrease. Similarly, when a stimulus is reinforced, the strength to repeat such stimulus in the future increases. In the context above, Keeping Eric after school was perceived by the Ms. Smythe as a punishment and was meant to ensure that he stops swearing, However, since this behavior exhibited by Eric has continued to increase even after being kept after school, then it can be concluded that, Keeping Eric after school is reinforcing this behavior.

D

Explanation:

Staying after school is reinforcing for Eric.

This is why it is reinforcing; Keeping Eric in school everyday for the past three weeks is supposed to serve as punishment and decrease his swearing.

This didn't work. But rather than decrease it, the punishment has rather reinforced it. Eric now swears more than he used to. The effect of Ms Smythe's punishment on Eric has rather strengthened or has increased his swearing.