Learning Principles

Module 4

Positive and negative reinforcement- not a question of quality or desirability

• In the operant model, individuals act upon the environment, and the environment responds.  Reinforcement refers to an environmental response that increases the likelihood a behavior will be repeated.  Any environmental response that increases the likelihood of behavior, is by definition, a reinforcing response.  Reinforcement comes in two varieties: positive and negative.

  

  Positive reinforcement refers to a stimulus being added to the environment which reinforces behavior.  When an individual acts upon the environment in such a manner that something is added, and if this addition increases behavior, we label the addition a positive reinforcer.

  R (operant response) =======>  S^reinf

  study for a test =======> good grades

  

  Negative reinforcement refers to a stimulus being removed from the environment which reinforces behavior.  The quality of the reinforcer is not important.  Negative simply means removal.

  R (operant response) =======>  S^reinf

  buckle a seat belt =======> car buzzer quits

  

  The use of negative reinforcers may create unwanted emotional byproducts.  Annoying stimuli in the environment (loud buzzing) can trigger a "flight" response.  Physiologically, this may include gastric changes, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.  Emotionally, states including anxiety or fear may be produced.  It is particularly problematic if these states then become generalized into other aspects of the individual's life.  For this reason, positive reinforcement appears to be a better choice whenever possible.    

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