Denise is grounded for coming home after curfew. Additionally, her parents have taken away her cell phone for a month. Losing her cell phone privileges is an example of

A) negative reinforcement.
B) punishment by application.
C) punishment by removal.
D) learned helplessness.

Taking away Denise's cell phone is an example of punishment by removal, as her parents are removing a desired item as a consequence of her behavior. Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus in response to a behavior, which is not the case here. Punishment by application involves adding an aversive consequence, such as spanking or yelling, which is not happening here either. Learned helplessness refers to a state of passivity or resignation that can occur after experiencing repeated aversive events or punishment, but it does not apply in this situation.