G.1 Positive and negative reinforcement procedures to strengthen behavior

Reinforcement is a procedure used to increase the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated. There are two types of reinforcement: positive and negative.

Positive reinforcements

Positive reinforcements are stimuli that are added after a behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. For example, if a child sits in his chair when asked, a parent can give him praise or a treat. Praise or treats are positive reinforcements because they increase the likelihood that the child will sit in his or her chair in the future.

Examples of positive reinforcements:

• Prizes: toys, candy, games, money, etc.

• Praise: words of approval, congratulations, etc.

• Attention: physical contact, quality time, etc.

• Privileges: free time, access to certain objects or activities, etc.

Negative reinforcements

Negative reinforcements are stimuli that are removed after a behavior to increase the likelihood that that behavior will be repeated. For example, if a child stops yelling when his parent asks him to do so, the parent can stop scolding the child. Stopping scolding is negative reinforcement because it increases the likelihood that the child will stop yelling in the future.

Examples of negative reinforcements:

• Elimination of an aversive stimulus: stop scolding, stop yelling, stop punishing, etc.

• Obtaining a desired stimulus: rest, free time, access to certain objects or activities, etc.

How to choose the right reinforcement

To choose the right reinforcement, it is important to consider the preferences of the individual. Reinforcers that are more relevant to the individual are more likely to be effective. Additionally, it is important that reinforcers are provided contingent on the desired behavior. This means that reinforcers should be provided immediately after the desired behavior occurs.

Reinforcement is a powerful tool that can be used to increase the likelihood that desired behaviors will be repeated. By choosing appropriate reinforcements and providing them contingent on the desired behavior, educational professionals and caregivers can help children learn and grow.