Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2016
Embedded prompting may function as embedded punishment: detection of unexpected behavioral processes within a typical
Nicole A Heal1, Gregory P Hanley
1Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, USA. nheal@siu.edu
Abstract:
This study describes an unexpected behavioral process that influenced behavior during the teaching of concepts to a 4-year-old girl. The efficacy of and preference for three strategies that varied in teacher directedness were assessed in a multielement design and concurrent-chains arrangement, respectively. The strategy that involved the most teacher direction was most efficacious and preferred. In addition, embedded teacher prompts, common in child-led teaching procedures, functioned as a punisher for the child's toy play. Implications for designing effective and preferred teaching conditions are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Punishment
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior.
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Observational Learning
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Purposive Learning

