Final answer:
Matt's punishment of being told to stand in the corner for a timeout is an example of negative punishment, where his parents use a consequence to modify his behavior by removing him from a desirable situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Time-out is a popular form of negative punishment used by caregivers for behavior modification. When a child, like Matt, misbehaves by pushing his sister, his parents may choose to remove him from the situation as a consequence. This action serves to decrease the likelihood of the behavior occurring again because the child is being taken away from a desirable activity or setting as a method of punishment. Timeout is seen as a more humane and effective form of modifying behavior compared to physical punishments, which can instill fear or aggression in children. Behaviorists like Skinner have emphasized the importance of weighing the potential negatives of punishment and advocate for reinforcement of positive behavior whenever possible.