When a dog comes back when called after being shocked, this is an example of what?

When a dog comes back when called after being shocked, this scenario illustrates the concept of negative reinforcement. In this context, the shock serves as an aversive stimulus. The dog learns that by returning to the owner when called, it can escape or avoid the uncomfortable sensation of the shock.

Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future. In this case, the dog's return upon being called is reinforced by the cessation of the shock, which makes it more likely that the dog will come back when called in similar situations, as it has learned the connection between the action and the avoidance of the discomfort.

Other options do not accurately reflect this scenario. Positive punishment involves adding an unpleasant stimulus to reduce a behavior. Extinction refers to the reduction of a learned behavior when reinforcement is no longer provided. Positive reinforcement entails adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior. Thus, the key aspect of negative reinforcement—removing an adverse condition to reinforce a desired behavior—is clearly exemplified in this situation.