Positive reinforcement refers to adding a rewarding stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement refers to removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior. Shaping uses reinforcement to successively shape behaviors through approximation. Operant conditioning uses reinforcement over time to alter behaviors, such as through token economies in schools and prisons. Punishment risks damaging relationships and teaching only what is undesirable, not desirable behaviors, so it works best if applied consistently right after undesirable behaviors and combined with positive reinforcement.

1. Reward and Punishment

2. The two types of reinforcement are distinguished as
being either ‘positive’ or ‘negative’. What do the
concepts ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ refer to within
these terms?

3. Within these terms, ‘positive’ refers to the
addition of something good, whereas
‘negative’ refers to the ‘removal’ of
something bad

4.  Shaping – a strategy in
which a reinforcer is
given for any response
that successively
approximates and
ultimately leads to the
final desired response
 Used to train behaviours
that are unlikely to occur
spontaneously

7.  The consistent use of
Operant conditioning to
alter behaviour over
time
 Use of tokens as
rewards that can be
‘cashed in’ for bigger
rewards later
 Schools
 Prisons

8.  Can effect the relationship – The punisher
may be disliked, or stop speaking to the
punisher
 Punishment can be perceived as attention
and have the opposite effect
 Punishment does not teach desirable
behaviour

9.  It should be presented immediately following
this undesirable behavior.
 Punishment should be aimed at behaviour
and not personality
 Once the punishment has started the
punisher should not back down.
 Should be combined with positive
reinforcement