Final answer:
The statement that punishment which does not lead to a decrease in behavior is not really punishment is false. Punishment aims to reduce undesirable behavior, but effectiveness varies and unsuccessful punishment doesn't negate its intention or classification as punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
If your punishment does not lead to a decrease in behavior, it was not really a punishment. This statement is B. False. A punishment is an attempt to decrease undesirable behavior, but its effectiveness can vary. A punishment that does not result in behavior change may not have been adequate or effective for that particular individual or situation. Factors such as immediacy, consistency, and individual differences play a critical role in the effectiveness of punishment. Additionally, other methods such as positive reinforcement are often recommended over punishment as they can be more effective in reinforcing desired behaviors.
For example, a child might be made to write "I will not hit my brother" as a form of positive punishment with the aim of decreasing aggressive behavior. If the behavior does not decrease, this could indicate that the punishment was not significant enough to change the child's behavior, or that alternative strategies may be more effective.
It's important to consider that there can be negative outcomes to punishment, such as increased aggression or fear, and therefore reinforcement strategies are typically favored by psychologists and parenting experts.