Positive Reinforcement Explained

Reinforcement

Definition of Reinforcer

  • A reinforcer is a stimulus that appears in the environment following a behavior.
  • It increases the future frequency of that behavior in similar settings.
  • Reinforcement process increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

Positive Reinforcement

  • Involves adding something to the environment.
  • Leads to an increase in the behavior in the future under similar conditions.
  • Positive means additive.
  • Contrast with negative reinforcement, which involves taking something away.
  • Positive and negative are used differently in behavior analysis than in common language.
    • Positive = Additive.
    • Negative = Subtractive.

Determining Reinforcement

  • Reinforcement must happen after the behavior occurs.
  • The timing of reinforcement is crucial.
  • May require shaping the behavior by starting with low expectations and gradually increasing them.
  • Example: Training a dog to fetch.
    • Initially, reward the dog for going near the ball.
    • Gradually increase expectations until the dog brings the ball back.

Reinforcement Considerations

  • If a presumed reinforcer doesn't lead to an increase in behavior, it's not a reinforcer.
  • Past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior.
  • Example: If a dog has been willing to do things for salmon in the past, it may be willing to learn new behaviors to get salmon.

Language Around Reinforcement

  • Avoid circular reasoning when explaining behavior.
  • Example of circular reasoning: "He cries because he's mad, and I know he's mad because he's crying."
  • Instead, consider the history of reinforcement.
    • E.g., a child cries in the presence of aversive stimulation because crying has been reinforced by escape in the past.

Proper Terminology

  • Behavior is reinforced, not individuals.
  • Using the definition of reinforcement can clarify this.
    • Reinforcement: a stimulus that increases the future frequency of behavior under similar circumstances.
  • Reinforcer vs. Reinforcement:
    • Reinforcer: the actual stimulus that appears in the environment (the thing).
    • Reinforcement: the process.

Importance of Correct Usage

  • Using the terms "reinforcer" and "reinforcement" correctly is important in the field of behavior analysis.
  • Incorrect usage can be confusing and make a poor impression.