Positive/Negative Reinforcement Reinforcement can be positive or negative that can either deliver or reduce something to achieve a certain result. Praises and scolding are forms of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, it is desired for a specific response to occur. Positive reinforcement involves adding something in order to receive a specific response. An example of this can be giving your child allowance after they have cleaned their room. If you get a good grade on a test and the teacher says “great work!” you are more inclined to want to work harder to receive that same response next time. Accuracy, duration, frequency, and persistence are all important measures when monitoring a response. Positive reinforcement should be manipulated and given on a fixed schedule. This way, in the early stages of learning particularly, a positive result can be ensured close to every time. Negative reinforcement comes from wanting to avoid an adverse stimulus. An example of this ...
