Reinforcement
A consequence that follows a behaviour and increases the future frequency of that behaviour.
Reinforcement drives behaviour change. A consequence acts as a reinforcer only if it actually increases the future frequency of the behaviour it follows. It involves adding something preferred (positive reinforcement) or removing something aversive (negative reinforcement).
Reinforcement is defined entirely by its effect on behaviour, not by what you think a learner should want. If you give a student a sticker for completing work and their work completion does not increase, the sticker is not a reinforcer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reinforcement?
Reinforcement is a consequence that follows a behaviour and increases how often that behaviour happens in future. It can mean adding something preferred (positive reinforcement) or removing something aversive (negative reinforcement).
What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?
Both increase behaviour. Positive reinforcement adds a preferred consequence (a sticker for finishing work); negative reinforcement removes an aversive one (ending a demand once the work is done). 'Positive' and 'negative' refer to adding or removing - not to good or bad.
How do you know if something is actually a reinforcer?
Reinforcement is defined entirely by its effect. If you give a sticker for completed work and work completion does not increase, the sticker is not a reinforcer - no matter how much you expected it to be.