Comprehensive Guide to Reinforcement, Punishment, and Extinction in Behavior Modification

Reinforcement

Basic principle of behavior established by a century of animal and human laboratory and field research.

Defining reinforcement

The occurrence of a behavior (the 'operant') results immediately in a consequence that strengthens the behavior.

What is a Reinforcer?

The consequence (stimulus or event) that follows operant behavior & strengths operant behavior.

What is positive reinforcement?

Behavior is followed by the presentation of a stimulus (a reinforcer), and the behavior is strengthened.

What is negative reinforcement?

Behavior is followed by the removal of a stimulus (a punisher/aversive stimulus), and the behavior is strengthened.

Escape behavior

The behavior results in the termination of (escape from) the aversive stimulus, and the behavior is strengthened.

Avoidance behavior

The behavior results in the prevention of (avoidance of) the aversive stimulus, and the behavior is strengthened.

Unconditioned reinforcers

Biologically determined reinforcers that hold survival value for the organism.

Examples of unconditioned reinforcers

Food, water, human contact (warmth), oxygen, sexual contact, escape from cold, heat, pain.

Conditioned reinforcers

A previously neutral stimulus that is repeatedly paired with an established reinforcer.

Examples of common conditioned reinforcers

Parents' smiles, tone of voice, attention, praise, grades, positive evaluations.

Factors that influence reinforcement

Immediacy, consistency (contingency), motivating operations, individual differences, intensity of stimulus.

What is punishment?

The occurrence of a behavior is followed immediately by a consequence that decreases the future probability of the behavior.

What is positive punishment?

An aversive stimulus (punisher) is applied or presented following the behavior.

What is negative punishment?

A pleasant stimulus (reinforcer) is withdrawn or removed following the behavior.

Unconditioned punishers

Events that have biological importance and require no conditioning to be effective.

Examples of unconditioned punishers

Painful stimuli, extreme levels of stimulation (heat, cold, auditory, visual).

Conditioned punishers

A previously neutral stimulus that is paired with an established punisher and becomes a punisher itself.

Examples of conditioned punishers

'No' reprimands, threats, warnings, facial expressions of disapproval.

Factors influencing punishment

Immediacy, contingency, motivating operations, individual differences, intensity of stimulus.

Examples of positive punishment

Aversive stimulation, such as spanking, electric shock, lemon juice squirted in mouth.

Examples of negative punishment

Time out, response cost, such as monetary fines, loss of privileges.

Common problems with punishment

Emotional reactions, aggressive behavior, escape and avoidance behaviors.

Considerations in the use of punishment

Consider ethical and legal issues, risks and benefits, and conduct a functional assessment.

Defining Extinction

A previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by the reinforcing consequence.

Examples of Extinction

Turning the key in a broken trunk lock, drinking from an empty soda bottle.

Extinction Burst

Increase in frequency, duration, or intensity of the unreinforced behavior when the reinforcer is no longer available.

Spontaneous Recovery

Occurrence of the behavior some time later after it was decreased to zero with extinction.

Using Extinction

Eliminate the reinforcing consequence to decrease a problem behavior.

Factors Influencing Extinction

The schedule of reinforcement prior to extinction, and reinforcement of functionally equivalent behaviors.

Using differential reinforcement

Reinforce an alternative behavior to replace the problem behavior.

Promoting generalization and maintenance

Use extinction in all relevant circumstances and continue to use extinction over time.