Positive and Negative Reinforcement Flashcards

Study Notes

Positive Reinforcement

Defined as a stimulus introduced following a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior happening again.
Complimenting a child reinforces their good behavior, encouraging them to complete tasks effectively in the future.
Monetary compensation for completed work motivates individuals to continue performing tasks diligently.
Rewarding oneself with a favorite activity, like watching a chosen TV show, promotes task completion.
Animals, such as dolphins, are rewarded with fish for exhibiting desirable behaviors, solidifying training results.
Dogs learn commands better when they receive treats for sitting, lying down, or rolling over as a form of encouragement.
Using a vending machine as a reward for financial contribution illustrates reinforcement in human behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Involves the removal of an adverse element to strengthen a behavior.
Scratching an itch serves as a relief, reinforcing the behavior of scratching when faced with discomfort.
Engaging in daydreaming or doodling mitigates feelings of boredom, reinforcing the behavior of distraction during class.
Studying due to anxiety about an upcoming test exemplifies how worry is alleviated, reinforcing the studying behavior.
Watching TV as a distraction from test-related anxiety demonstrates another instance of reducing discomfort.
Taking pain relievers effectively removes pain, reinforcing the behavior of using medication when experiencing discomfort.

Positive Punishment

Introduces an undesired stimulus to reduce a behavior’s occurrence.
Scolding for misbehavior serves as a means of redirecting undesirable behavior in pets and children.
Physical reprimanding, such as spanking a child, aims to deter reoccurring misbehavior.
Speeding tickets impose a financial burden as a consequence of law violations, deterring future speeding.
Hitting a dog with a newspaper serves as a corrective measure to discourage specific unwanted behaviors.
Spraying water on a cat for inappropriate actions reduces the likelihood of repeat offenses.
Pain from touching a hot stove provides immediate negative feedback, prompting avoidance of that action in the future.
Experiencing nausea after consuming spoiled food acts as a natural aversive response, preventing future similar choices.

Negative Punishment

Involves taking away a positive stimulus to decrease a behavior’s occurrence.
Forfeiting a child's toy due to fighting instills consequences that discourage aggressive actions among siblings.
Grounding a teenager for unacceptable behavior removes privileges, aiming to diminish negative conduct.
A dolphin trainer removing rewards demonstrates how failing to comply with rules results in lost opportunities.
Ignoring a spouse for specific behaviors serves as a corrective strategy, diminishing those actions through loss of attention.

Description

This quiz presents flashcards that define positive reinforcement and punishment through various examples. Explore how rewards and consequences influence behavior and learning. Perfect for students seeking to understand these crucial concepts in psychology.