Six Illustrative Instances of Encouragement through Rewards

Reinforcing Positive Behaviors: 6 Illustrative Instances

Positive reinforcement, a type of operant conditioning, has been found to be an effective tool in promoting positive student behaviour, according to a 2021 article. This approach rewards positive behaviours by adding a positive outcome, encouraging the repetition of such actions.

There are four main types of positive reinforcement, as defined by experts. Primary reinforcement satisfies basic biological needs, such as food or water. Secondary reinforcement, on the other hand, are learned reinforcers like money or praise. Social reinforcement uses social interactions such as verbal praise or a smile to reward positive behaviour. Activity-based reinforcement, also known as the Premack principle, grants access to preferred activities as a reward.

Social reinforcement, for instance, can take the form of praise and recognition from peers or teachers. A child becoming kinder at school, for example, would receive social reinforcement from their peers. Similarly, a child helping their parent with dishes at home could be rewarded with praise and affection, also a form of social reinforcement.

Tangible reinforcers, physical rewards like candy, toys, raises, or promotions, can be effective as well. Working hard and receiving a raise is an example of tangible reinforcement in an adult context. Jogging and receiving a sweet treat is a more child-friendly example. However, relying solely on tangible rewards may not always be the most effective strategy. A mix of natural, tangible, and social reinforcers can lead to better results.

Natural reinforcers are consequences of behaviour that don't need to be delivered as a reward. For example, consistency with therapy for 6 months can serve as a natural reinforcer for emotional improvement, as the positive outcome of improved mental health acts as its own reward.

It's crucial to be mindful when using positive reinforcement to avoid reinforcing the wrong behaviours. For instance, inadvertently offering social reinforcement for inappropriate actions could have negative consequences.

When implementing positive reinforcement, it's important to adapt rewards to fit each person's developmental level. A sticker chart may not have the same influence over teenagers as it does over young children. Additionally, delivering reinforcement immediately after the behaviour, if possible, and being specific about what the behaviour was that was rewarded can help to maximise its effectiveness.

In conclusion, positive reinforcement offers a powerful way to shape behaviour by rewarding positive actions. By understanding the different types of reinforcement and tailoring rewards to the individual, educators, parents, and therapists can help to promote positive behaviour change in a meaningful and effective way.