Skip to content

A person who has been punished is not less inclined to…

“A person who has been punished is not less inclined to behave in a given way; at best, he learns how to avoid punishment.” quote by B. F. Skinner
Download Open image
“A person who has been punished is not less inclined to behave in a given way; at best, he learns how to avoid punishment.”

B. F. Skinner

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Punishment may teach avoidance rather than change underlying behavior, limiting true learning.

In simple terms: Punishment teaches avoidance, not change.

Key Takeaway

Focus on positive reinforcement.

Themes

behavioral psychology learning motivation

Mood

reflective critical

Type

educational psychological

When to use this quote

  • Classroom management
  • parenting
  • workplace discipline

Key Concepts

Operant conditioning avoidance learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we replace punishment with encouragement?
  • What long‑term effects does avoidance learning have?
A Different Perspective

Punishment can create fear without fostering intrinsic motivation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by B. F. Skinner

Explore all 105 B. F. Skinner quotes

More Avoid quotes

Browse all 985 Avoid quotes