How is response cost defined in the context of punishment?

Response cost is defined as the loss of a reinforcer due to undesirable behavior. This definition captures the essence of how response cost functions within the framework of punishment in behavior analysis. When an individual engages in a behavior that is deemed undesirable, and a reinforcer they have access to is removed as a consequence, this represents a direct application of response cost.

This form of punishment is intended to decrease the likelihood of the undesirable behavior occurring in the future by associating it with a negative outcome—losing something valuable or reinforcing. For instance, if a child loses tokens for misbehaving, the aim is to decrease the frequency of that misbehavior in the future by implementing the response cost strategy.

The other options, while related to the concepts of consequences and behavior modification, do not accurately define response cost within the context of punishment. They either suggest a temporary measure instead of a specific consequence for behavior or refer to different aspects of behavior management that do not specifically involve the direct loss of a previously earned reinforcer.