Positive and Negative Reinforcements

Overview, instructions, questions to answer, links and rubric

Skinner argued that society too frequently uses aversive (harsh, unpleasant) means (particularly punishment) to shape desired behavior rather than the more effective positive reinforcement. Skinner and other behavioral psychologists experimented with using various reinforcers and operants. They also experimented with various patterns of reinforcement (or schedules of reinforcement), as well as with various cues or signals to the animal about when reinforcement was available. It turned out that all of these factors—the operant, the reinforcement, the schedule, and the cues—affected how easily and thoroughly operant conditioning occurred. For example, reinforcement was more effective if it came immediately after the crucial operant behavior, rather than being delayed, and reinforcements that happened intermittently (only part of the time) caused learning to take longer, but also caused it to last longer. There are positive and negative reinforcers. Positive reinforcers are events that strengthen a response if they are experienced after that response occurs. Negative reinforcers are stimuli or events such as pain, threats, or disapproving frown that strengthen a response if they are removed after the response occurs. The goal of both positive and negative reinforcers is to strengthen an expected behavior. Primary reinforcers are those that are associated with biological needs such as food and water, and secondary reinforcers are non-biological needs such as praise, money, and play.

Positive and Negative Reinforcements - https://courses.lumenlearning.com/waymaker-psychology/chapter/operant-conditioning/

Book: Chapter 7 - https://uwgedpsych.pressbooks.com/

Reflection Questions:

1. How does this project impact your understanding of negative and positive reinforcers? Make references to the textbook to support your reflection. Your reflection should not be more than a page. Pay attention to the rubric as you complete your project.

 

2. How does this project impact your understanding of operant conditioning and reinforcement? Make references to the textbook to support your reflection. Your reflection should not be more than a page. Pay attention to the rubric as you complete your project.

Rubric