This is a summary of the basic concept of reinforcement and punishment and outlines the criteria that needs to be met for it to qualify as reinforcement or punishment.
Reinforcement is said to have occurred when we add or take away an item/activity/attention following a specific behaviour and as a result that behaviour INCREASES in the future.
Punishment is said to have occurred when we add/take away an item/activity/attention following a specific behaviour and as a result that behaviour DECREASES in the future.
Any stimulus (activity, item, attention) following a behaviour becomes a reinforcer or a punisher based on the EFFECT it has on the future probability of that behaviour.
The following conditions MUST be met in order to say REINFORCEMENT/PUNISHEMENT has occurred.
Positive Reinforcement
- A stimulus (item, activity, attention) is ADDED
- following a specific behaviour and
- that behaviour INCREASES in frequency
Example: When Sam uses his words to get his mother’s attention she responds to him and he has a good conversation with her. Sam uses his words more often in the future.
Negative Reinforcement
- A stimulus (item, activity, attention) is TAKEN AWAY
- following a specific behaviour and
- that behaviour INCREASES in frequency
Example: When demands are placed on Sam, he screams, or throws things. His parents think he needs to calm down and all demands are removed. Sam yells and screams more often now than before.
Positive Punishment
- A stimulus (item, activity, attention) is ADDED
- following a specific behaviour and
- that behaviour DECREASES in frequency
Example: When Sam completes his chores, he is given another chore to do. Sam completes less of his chores each day.
Negative Punishment
- A stimulus (item, activity, attention) is TAKEN AWAY
- following a specific behaviour and
- that behaviour DECREASES in frequency
Example: When Sam yells and screams the TV is turned off. Sam loves to watch TV so Sam yells and screams less often in the future.
We have a new Behavioural Consultant for Bryce and I have permission to post some of their ideas and information on our blog. So stay tuned for some more helpful resources.
Thanks for reading,
Tanaya
Information provided by our Behavioural Consultant
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