Chapter 6: Positive Reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcer (reinforcer)

* A stimulus

* that increases

* the frequency

* of a response it follows.

Check the assumed reinforcer first

* Before spending much time trying to reinforce behavior.

* Make sure you have a true reinforcer.

Automatic reinforcement

The response itself automatically produces the reinforcer.

Socially mediated reinforcement

* Another person (or organism) provides the reinforcer.

Behavioral contingency

* The occasion for a response,

* the response, and

* the outcome of the response.

The Don't Say Rule

* With nonverbal organisms, don't say

* expects

* knows

* thinks figures out

* in order to (or so that he, she, or it could ...)

* tries to

* makes the connection

* associates

* learns that

* imagines

* understands.

* With any organisms, don't say wants.

Reinforce behavior

* Reinforce behavior,

* not people.