Gold Stars

Definition

In operant conditioning, gold stars represent a form of positive reinforcement. They are used to increase the likelihood of desired behavior by providing a reward when the behavior occurs.

Related terms

Positive Reinforcement:

This term refers to providing a desirable stimulus (like gold stars) to strengthen or increase the frequency of a certain behavior.

Negative Reinforcement:

This term involves removing an aversive stimulus (like taking away an unpleasant task) to strengthen or increase the occurrence of a specific behavior.

Punishment:

Punishment is the introduction of an undesired consequence (such as taking away gold stars) with the intention of reducing or eliminating unwanted behaviors.