Chapter 6: Operant Learning II-Positive and Negative Reinforcement

positive reinforcement (SR+)

The presentation of a consequence, the effect of which is to increase operant behavior above its no-reinforcer baseline level.

negative reinforcement- escape (SRE-)

A consequent removal or reduction of a stimulus, the effect of which is to increase operant behavior above its no-reinforcer baseline level.

negative reinforcement- avoidance (SRA-)

A consequent prevention of a stimulus change, the effect of which is to increase operant behavior above its no-reinforcer baseline level.

Three reasons for distinguishing between positive and negative reinforcement

1- heuristics
2-loss aversion
3- preference for positive reinforcement

heuristics

Mental shortcuts or "rules of thumb" that often lead to a solution (but not always).

loss aversion

The tendency for loss prevention (SRA-) to influence behavior more than presentation of the same stimulus (SR+).

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)

Behavior analysts consult with companies to integrate positive reinforcement into the workplace.

Three objections to reinforcement

1- intrinsic motivation
2- performance-inhibiting properties of reinforcement
3- cheating

intrinsic motivation

the natural drive to engage in a behavior because it fosters a sense of competence

extrinsic motivators

reinforcers that are not automatically obtained by engaging in the behavior; instead, they are artificially arranged (e.g., giving the child a small toy for coloring a pleasing picture)

verbal extrinsic reinforcers

(e.g., telling the individual they've done a good job) seems to enhance intrinsic motivation

Theories of reinforcement

1- response strengthening
2- information

Response Strengthening Theory of Reinforcement

Each obtained reinforcer is hypothesized to strengthen the behavior it follows. The more frequently an operant behavior is followed by a reinforcer, the more firmly it is established, and the more difficult it will be to disrupt.

Information Theory of Reinforcement

Reinforcers provide information that allows the individual to predict when or where subsequent reinforcers may be obtained.