PSY 318: Types of reinforcements and punishments

What is positive reinforcement?

Adding a pleasant stimulus after a desired behavior to increase the likelihood of it happening again.

What is an example of a positive reinforcement?

A child gets a sticker for completing homework, making them more likely to do it again.

What is negative reinforcement?

Removing an unpleasant stimulus to encourage a behavior.

What is an example of a negative reinforcement?

A car stops beeping when you buckle your seatbelt, reinforcing the habit of buckling up.

What is positive punishment (Adding an Unpleasant Stimulus)?

When an undesirable stimulus is added after a behavior, decreasing the likelihood of the behavior repeating.

What is an example of a positive punishment?

-A child touches a hot stove and feels pain, making them less likely to touch it again.

-A teacher scolds a student for talking in class.

-A driver receives a speeding ticket, discouraging future speeding.

-A dog gets sprayed with water for jumping on the couch.

What is negative punishment (Removing a Pleasant Stimulus)

When a pleasant stimulus is removed after a behavior, reducing the chances of it occurring again.

What is an example of a negative punishment?

-A teenager stays out past curfew, so their parents take away their car privileges.

-A child misbehaves, so their toy is taken away.

-A student uses their phone in class, and the teacher confiscates it.

-A person arrives late to work and loses their chance at a bonus.