What is the term used to describe an outcome that decreases the frequency of a behavior?

The correct term that describes an outcome that decreases the frequency of a behavior is punishment. In the context of behavioral psychology, punishment refers to the application of a consequence that leads to a reduction in the occurrence of a specific behavior over time. This principle is utilized in various training settings, including veterinary environments, to help modify unwanted behaviors in animals.

Punishment can take two forms: positive punishment, where something aversive is added following a behavior, and negative punishment, where something desirable is removed. Both methods aim to create a decrease in the undesired behavior, making this the correct answer in the context of the question.

In contrast, reinforcement, conditioning, and motivation relate to behavior in different ways. Reinforcement, for instance, increases the frequency of a behavior by providing a reward, while conditioning refers to the process by which associations are formed between stimuli and responses. Motivation involves the internal state that drives an individual to engage in a behavior. These concepts operate differently from punishment, which specifically focuses on reducing behaviors.