Reinforcements

Definition

Reinforcements refer to the consequences that follow a behavior and influence its likelihood of being repeated. Positive reinforcements involve adding something desirable, such as rewards or praise, to increase the probability of a behavior. Negative reinforcements involve removing something unpleasant, such as pain or stress, to increase the probability of a behavior.

Related terms

Punishments:

Consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior by adding something aversive or removing something desired.

Operant Conditioning:

A learning process in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences.

Behaviorism:

A psychological perspective that focuses on observable behaviors and how they are influenced by external stimuli and consequences.