Positive reinforcement occurs when a certain behavior results in a positive outcome, making the behavior likely to be repeated in the future. This behavioral psychology concept can be used to teach and strengthen behaviors. Show
This article discusses how positive reinforcement works and how it can be used to teach or modify behaviors. It also covers how positive reinforcement compares to negative reinforcement and how it is best applied. What Is Positive Reinforcement?In operant conditioning, positive reinforcement involves the addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior that makes it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the future. When a favorable outcome, event, or reward occurs after an action, that particular response or behavior will be strengthened. One of the easiest ways to remember positive reinforcement is to think of it as something being added. By thinking of it in these terms, you may find it easier to identify real-world examples of positive reinforcement. Sometimes positive reinforcement occurs quite naturally. For example, when you hold the door open for someone, you might receive praise and a thank you. That affirmation serves as positive reinforcement and may make it more likely that you will hold the door open for people again in the future. In other cases, someone might choose to use positive reinforcement very deliberately in order to train and maintain a specific behavior. An animal trainer, for example, might reward a dog with a treat after the animal shakes the trainer's hand and pauses for a count of five. Basics of Operant ConditioningOperant conditioning was introduced by the psychologist B. F. Skinner, who based the idea on Thorndike's law of effect. The basic idea behind the law of effect is that the consequences of behavior determine whether that behavior happens again. Reinforced behaviors become strengthened, while punished behaviors are weakened. The four types of reinforcement/punishment are:
Examples of Positive ReinforcementThere are many examples of positive reinforcement in action. Consider the following scenarios:
In each
situation, the reinforcement is an additional stimulus occurring after the behavior that increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. Types of Positive ReinforcementThere are many different types of reinforcers that can be used to increase behaviors, but it is important to note that the type of reinforcer used depends on the individual and the situation.
While gold stars and tokens might be very effective reinforcement for a second-grader, they are not going to have the same effect on a high school or college student. For positive reinforcement to be effective, it needs to involve a reward that the individual wants or needs. Positive Reinforcement vs. Negative ReinforcementThe goal of both positive and negative reinforcement is to increase the likelihood that a behavior will occur again in the future. The difference is in how each accomplishes this. Positive reinforcement adds something to strengthen behavior, while negative reinforcement removes something. For example, allowing a child to play on their tablet if they finish their homework is an example of positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement would be a child finishing their homework to avoid having their tablet taken away. Uses for Positive ReinforcementWhen used correctly, positive reinforcement can be very effective. It can be used in various settings to make desired changes to behavior or teach new behaviors.
While different strategies can be used depending on the situation, some experts suggest that positive reinforcement should be used
more often than negative reinforcement or punishment. How to Use Positive ReinforcementPositive reinforcement can be a useful learning tool in a wide variety of settings. There are things that you can do to make sure that it is used effectively. Be Aware of Reinforcement TimingPositive reinforcement is most effective when it occurs immediately after the behavior. Reinforcement should be presented enthusiastically and should occur frequently.
Use the Right Reinforcement ScheduleIn addition to the timing and type of reinforcement used, the presentation schedule can also play a role in the strength of the response. Schedules of reinforcement can have a powerful influence on how strong a response is and how often it occurs. When you are first teaching a new behavior, you would likely use a continuous reinforcement schedule where you deliver positive reinforcement every single time the behavior occurs. Once the response is established, you would then switch to an intermittent or ratio schedule. Avoid Reinforcing the Wrong BehaviorsAn important thing to note is that positive reinforcement is not always good. Positive reinforcement can also strengthen undesirable behaviors. For example, when a child misbehaves in a store, some parents might give them extra attention or even buy them a toy in an effort to stop the behavior. Children quickly learn that by acting out, they can gain attention from their parents or even acquire objects they want. Essentially, parents are reinforcing the misbehavior. A better solution would be to use positive reinforcement when the child is displaying good behavior. Instead of rewarding the misbehavior, the parents would want to wait until the child behaves well and then reward that good behavior with praise, treats, or even a toy. A Word From VerywellPositive reinforcement can be an effective learning tool when used appropriately. Sometimes this type of learning occurs naturally through normal interactions with the environment. In other cases, parents, teachers, and therapists can use this behavioral technique to help teach new behaviors. When using positive reinforcement, it's important to be thoughtful about the type of reinforcers and the schedule that you use to train the new behavior. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Kendra Cherry
Thanks for your feedback! Which type of reinforcement occurs when an unwanted outcome is removed following a desirable behavior?Negative reinforcement involves removing an unwanted object or condition once the student has engaged in the desired behavior, which, in turn, creates the likelihood of increased occurrence of the behavior in the future.
What is it when an unwanted outcome is removed following a desired behavior?In the case of negative reinforcement, it is the action of removing the undesirable outcome or stimulus that serves as the reward for performing the behavior.
Which schedule reinforces behaviors after a certain number of behaviors have been exhibited?In a ratio schedule reinforcement occurs after a certain number of responses have been emitted. Interval schedules involve reinforcing a behavior after a period of time has passed.
Is the idea that we learn by observing the link between our voluntary behavior and the consequences that follow it?Operant Conditioning
First studied by Edward Thorndike and later by B.F. Skinner, the underlying idea behind operant conditioning is that the consequences of our actions shape voluntary behavior. Skinner described how reinforcement could lead to increases in behaviors where punishment would result in decreases.
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