5.9 : Reinforcement

Positive and negative reinforcement are key concepts in operant conditioning, a learning process where the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.

Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:

• If a person smiles at you after you greet them and you continue talking, the smile is a positive reinforcement for your greeting.
• Teaching a dog to shake hands by giving it a treat when it lifts its paw uses positive reinforcement.

Negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior increases because it removes an unpleasant stimulus. Examples include:

• If nagging stops after you clean the garage, the removal of nagging reinforces the cleaning behavior.
• Taking an aspirin to relieve a headache is a negative reinforcement, as it removes the pain.

Both positive and negative reinforcements aim to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus, while negative reinforcement removes an undesirable one. Importantly, "positive" and "negative" here refer to the addition or removal of stimuli, not to good or bad outcomes.

In education, positive reinforcement can significantly enhance learning outcomes. For instance, rewarding students with small incentives for reading books and passing quizzes has been shown to improve reading comprehension. Similarly, B.F. Skinner's teaching machines provided immediate positive reinforcement for correct answers, promoting better learning.

Negative reinforcement is also prevalent in everyday situations. For example, the beeping sound in cars that stops when you fasten your seatbelt encourages seat belt use by removing the annoying noise. Horse training often employs negative reinforcement, where pressure is applied and then removed once the desired behavior is performed.

Positive and negative reinforcements are powerful tools for shaping behavior. By understanding and applying these principles, behaviors can be effectively encouraged and maintained in various settings, from classrooms to everyday life.