Differences Between Positive And Negative Reinforcement
Reinforcement is a good educational method to correct children’s behaviors. As its name suggests, this technique focuses on reinforcing, in some way, desirable behaviors to encourage them to occur frequently. And, in turn, the appearance of inappropriate behaviors is avoided. But, to correctly apply this psychopedagogical resource, it is necessary to know the differences between positive and negative reinforcement.
This behavior modification technique is based on the theory of operant conditioning, created by the psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner.
Thus, according to this author, behavior is determined by the consequences obtained with said acts, so that behaviors that are followed by a reward tend to be repeated and those that provide harmful results are not repeated.
Differences between positive and negative reinforcement
Associative learning is a process that consists of creating cause-effect relationships between behaviors and stimuli. Which is very useful to change children’s behaviors and intervene in them. One way to put this type of learning into practice is through positive or negative reinforcement. Next, we explain the differences between these two types.
Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement focuses on presenting a pleasant stimulus immediately after performing a good behavior. That is, when the child behaves well or carries out a desired behavior, it is convenient to reward or reward him in order to increase the probability that this act will be repeated in the future.
Thus, some stimuli that are often used as positive reinforcers are:
- The compliments and compliments.
- The hugs.
- The kisses.
- The caresses.
- The signs of attention.
- The stickers.
- Seals.
- Obtaining certain privileges.
- The recognition and the good evaluations.
- Food.
- Excursions, outings or special activities.
- Obtaining points to win a physical prize, such as a toy.
Negative reinforcement
On the other hand, negative reinforcement consists of withdrawing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the frequency of the appearance of a desired behavior. Therefore, as in the previous case, the reinforcer must be applied immediately, just after the child acts correctly.
Some aversive stimuli that are usually used as negative reinforcers, with their withdrawal or elimination, are:
- The bright lights.
- Loud noises.
- The critics.
- The punishments.
- The reproaches.
Benefits of using positive and negative reinforcement
Both positive and negative reinforcement are very effective and beneficial for the development of the child, since this educational method focuses on stimulating and promoting good habits, without the need to penalize and punish bad behaviors.
That is, thanks to the fact of reinforcing desirable behaviors, the appearance of undesirable ones is prevented. Thus, the little ones learn that, through good behavior, a certain personal satisfaction is achieved.
In addition, the use of the reinforcement also implies the following benefits in the little one:
- Increase motivation to do the right thing.
- Improves self-esteem and self- concept.
- Promote positive communication.
- It promotes the establishment of healthy and balanced social relationships.
- It favors receptivity.
- Encourage the importance of effort.
But to make this happen, it must be taken into account that when applying a reinforcer, whether positive or negative, it is essential to explain the reason for the reward.
That is, it is necessary for the child to understand what has been the behavior that has allowed him to obtain a pleasant consequence. In this way, the little one understands and assimilates the cause and effect relationship that takes place in a certain situation.
