Before we start thinking positive and negative, we need to define ‘reinforcement.’ Reinforcement is a process by which an item or event following a chosen target behavior increases the probability that the behavior will happen again in the future. That is, until they define negative reinforcement… This definition is almost always wrong and all that excitement you were feeling only seconds ago is instantly shattered and replaced with sadness, anger, and overall fury–as how hard could it really be to pick up an ABA book and read the definition of negative reinforcement? Well, let’s see!įirst, let’s backup a second. Types of positive reinforcement that are effective in everyday life include verbal praise or approval, the awarding of status or prestige, and direct financial payment.Picture this: you are watching your favorite tv sitcom or your favorite 80’s movie, and all of a sudden you hear the words “positive reinforcement” used to describe a way of rewarding behavior! And, if you’re anything like me, you’re super excited because you love ABA so much, that when these terms are used in mainstream media it’s so reinforcing! The definition that your favorite fictional character gives of positive reinforcement is so spot on that you are on cloud nine. This is because positive reinforcement makes the person or animal feel better, helping create a positive relationship with the person providing the reinforcement. The use of positive reinforcement in changing behavior is almost always more effective than using punishment. It is also important to note that reinforcement and punishment are not simply opposites. One may smoke a cigarette both because it brings pleasure (positive reinforcement) and because it eliminates the craving for nicotine (negative reinforcement). In other cases, reinforcement can be both positive and negative. On a hot day a cool breeze could be seen as a positive reinforcer (because it brings in cool air) or a negative reinforcer (because it removes hot air). A child who is grounded after fighting with a sibling (positive punishment) or who loses out on the opportunity to go to recess after getting a poor grade (negative punishment) is less likely to repeat these behaviors.Īlthough the distinction between reinforcement (which increases behavior) and punishment (which decreases it) is usually clear, in some cases it is difficult to determine whether a reinforcer is positive or negative. Positive punishment weakens a response by presenting something unpleasant after the response, whereas negative punishment weakens a response by reducing or removing something pleasant. Punishment, on the other hand, refers to any event that weakens or reduces the likelihood of a behavior. Reinforcement, either positive or negative, works by increasing the likelihood of a behavior. Taking away a teen’s computer after he misses curfew Giving a student extra homework after she misbehaves in class Taking painkillers that eliminate pain increases the likelihood that you will take painkillers again Giving a student a prize after he gets an A on a test \): How Positive and Negative Reinforcement and Punishment Influence Behavior Operant conditioning term
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