The Differences Between Positive And Negative Reinforcement
Reinforcement is a concept that aims to correct a certain behavior. As the name suggests, the modification focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors to encourage someone to do it more often. In the same way, it can prevent the repetition of inappropriate behavior. However, in order to apply this psychotherapeutic modification, you need to know the differences between positive and negative reinforcement.
This behavior modification is based on the theory of operant conditioning, which was authored by the psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner.
According to him, behaviors develop depending on the consequences we see from our actions. If we receive a reward, we have a tendency to repeat the action, while negative consequences lead to us repeating our behavior less often.
Differences between positive and negative reinforcement
Consequence learning is when a behavior occurs at the same time as something positive or negative and this consequence in turn affects the behavior. It is very useful in changing children’s behavior into something we consider appropriate.
One type of consequence learning is positive and negative reinforcement. Here are the differences between these two types of correction.
Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement focuses on giving a reward immediately after a desired behavior. This means that when a child behaves in a way you like, it is good to reward it immediately. This then increases the probability that the child will repeat the behavior in the future.
Some rewards that can be used as positive reinforcement are:
- Praise and compliments
- Hugs
- Kisses
- Claps
- Give the child attention
- Stickers
- Stamps
- Get some privileges
- Recognition and positive comments
- Goodies
- Excursions, trips or special activities
- To get points for winning a physical prize, like a toy
Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement consists of removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood that the child will behave as desired. As with positive reinforcement, reinforcement must come immediately, just after the child has behaved properly.
Some negative stimuli that are usually withdrawn or removed are:
- Strong lights
- Loud noises
- Criticism
- Penalty
- Commitments
The benefits of positive and negative reinforcement
Both positive and negative reinforcement are very effective and beneficial for children’s development because they focus on stimulating and improving good habits. It thus removes the need to punish and give consequences for bad behavior.
So by reinforcing desirable actions, you prevent those that are unwanted. In this way, children learn that through good behavior they get something good.
In addition, reinforcement also has the following benefits for children:
- Make them more motivated to do the right thing
- Improves their self-esteem and perception of themselves
- Encourages positive communication
- Promotes the establishment of healthy and balanced social relationships
- Promotes their receptivity to absorbing what the parents want to convey
- Encourages the importance of making an effort to do well
But to take advantage of these benefits, it is important to always explain the reason for the reward when applying a reinforcement, whether it is positive or negative.
In other words , the child must understand what actions or behaviors have resulted in a reward. In this way, the child learns to understand the consequences of behaving in a given situation.
