This document discusses problems with operant conditioning techniques of rewards and punishment. It notes that rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation through overjustification and that punishment often teaches children how to avoid punishment rather than shaping behavior, causes negative emotions, may reinforce the unwanted behavior, and is usually not administered properly. The document then provides tips on using punishment effectively if at all, such as through negative punishment and reinforcing desired behavior. It introduces the concept of a TV show called Supernanny that aims to help families with behavior issues in children.

2. October 25
Problems with operant conditioning
Reward traps
Punishment Pitfalls
Supernanny to the Rescue
Monday: No classes; Thursday: TEST (No
FR); Friday: End of 9 Weeks
Grades will be updated throughout the
weekend

3. Consider a time in your life when
“rewards” worked. And didn’t work.
Consider a time when punishment
worked. And didn’t work.

4. Operant Behavior Gone Bad

5. Rewards can backfire
The Overjustification Effect
• Extrinsic reinforcers—motivation that comes
from an outside source
• Intrinsic reinforcers—motivation that is driven by
an interest or enjoyment in the task itself
EXTERNAL REWARD WEAKENS THE
STRONG INTRINSIC MOTIVATION AND
CAN LEAD TO LOWER, RATHER THAN
HIGHER, EFFORT AND ATTAINMENT

7. Punishment Pitfalls

8. Punishment Pitfalls
1. It can teach the “punishee” how to avoid being
punished.
2. It is often temporary and is dependent on the
presence of the punisher.
3. The recipient often responds with anxiety, fear,
or rage.
4. It often conveys little information.
5. It may actually reinforce behavior.
6. It is often administered mindlessly.
7. Misbehavior is hard to punish immediately.

9. Punishment
1. Should not involve physical abuse;
negative punishment is often more
effective
2. Should be accompanied by instruction
3. Should reinforce the desired behavior

10. Meet the Bowersock Family…

11. Meet Supernanny…