What is the main intention of implementing positive punishment?

The main intention of implementing positive punishment is to decrease unwanted behaviors. Positive punishment involves the addition of a stimulus following an undesired behavior, which makes it less likely that the behavior will be repeated in the future. The key aspect of positive punishment is that it seeks to reduce or eliminate behaviors that are not desirable by introducing an aversive consequence, hence directly targeting and diminishing the frequency of those behaviors.

In contrast, other choices emphasize different objectives. Encouraging desired behaviors focuses on reinforcement strategies, where positive consequences are used to increase the likelihood of those behaviors. Reinforcing positive actions similarly aims to promote behavior rather than diminish it. Creating more time for activities is not a core intention associated with positive punishment and relates more to organizational or instructional strategies rather than behavior modification techniques. By understanding these distinctions, it becomes clear why decreasing unwanted behaviors is the central goal of using positive punishment in behavior analysis.