Abstract

Research today has revealed various methods for behavior change and behavior change strategies. A question that leaves many researchers turning their heads is, what is the most effective and efficient way to change aggressive delinquent and violent behaviors. Is punishment as effective as positive reinforcement? This is interesting because in an image concerned society, people may be more apt to model behaviors that are rewarded positively rather than to behave appropriately from being punished. My hypothesis is that positive reinforcement will be more effective than corporal punishment. “Most family and pediatricians favor the use of corporal punishment and pediatricians agree that children should be punished corporally if they misbehave. However former research has found that parents who frequently use corporal punishment have more behavior problems with their children than those who do not” (Brenner 1998 as cited in Abraham).

Recommended Citation

Deakin, Aaron (2002) "Research Proposal: Is corporal punishment as effective as positive reinforcement?," Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/psych_journals/vol1/iss1/6