How does negative reinforcement function?

Negative reinforcement functions by removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. This process involves identifying an aversive condition or stimulus and then eliminating it when the subject exhibits the desired behavior. For example, if a dog barks in a specific situation, and the owner removes an unpleasant noise in response to the dog's action, the dog may learn to bark more in that situation to avoid the noise. This reinforces the barking behavior, demonstrating how negative reinforcement operates by effectively creating a more favorable outcome by removing something undesirable.

Positive reinforcement, in contrast, would involve adding a pleasant stimulus to encourage a behavior. Introducing a new response or reinforcing initial instincts does not directly relate to the concept of negative reinforcement. Thus, the essence of negative reinforcement lies in its ability to strengthen behavior through the reduction of negative stimuli.