Positive reinforcements area type of stimulus that are applied to individuals for the behavioral process. It is in fact one of the fundamental concepts of the psychology of learning and a tool that is applied in countless areas.
The main objective of these methodologies is to reinforce behaviors and suppress others to develop stableand appropriate behaviors.
In the following article we will know well whatpositive reinforcement is about, the types, characteristics and some examples for greater understanding.
Index
ToggleWhat is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is atheorydeveloped by B F Skinner based on human behaviorand how it reacts to external stimuli. With this, his objective was to reinforce or diminish a certain behavioraccording to what he wanted to achieve.
To highlight: Reinforcement, which becomes the key word for the development of Skinner’s studies, is responsible for increasing the probability that a specific behavior will be repeated in the future.
What are the characteristics of positive reinforcement?
This methodology or tool, develops according to certain characteristics that will allow us to understand it much more easily. So, below we mention and describe the most outstanding ones:
1. It is one of the tools of behaviorism
As we have previously mentioned, positive reinforcers develop good feelings in the individual and allow them to be associated with carrying out a behavior, so that it is reinforced and repetition of it is allowed.
Note: Behaviorism Is precisely the psychological aspect of experimental procedures , which allow studying the conduct or observable behavior of the individual.
In the Teaching Skills: Educational Approachesblog, they define that this branch of psychology has an approach in principle to motivation, stimulating the subject to put their faculties and abilities into activity(1)tag. Underbehaviorism has a great influence on education, encouragement and punishment both positive and negative in learning processes.
2. It is part of operant conditioning
To highlight:The association of the stimuli and the activities carried out, are the ones that will allow learning or behavioral development to take place. Therefore, reinforcements are fundamental elements for what we know asoperant conditioning. (two)
3. It is a type of learning based on behavior and its consequences
The consequences, which in this case would be the stimuli obtained, are what will allow our brain to positively or negatively associate an action with a reaction.
You should know: The learning given through this methodology is one that can modify behavior and shape it through rewards and punishments .
4. It favors the repetition of a behavior through a reward
That association that we mentioned to the reinforcers and their ability to relate to an effect on the person’s behavior, is the one that, with a correct application, aims to increase motivation and its repetition.
Important: At the Central University of Venezuela, a study was carried out aimed at understanding positive reinforcement in Judo and here they explain how the coach should define what behaviors will be reinforced, how and when to do it. (3)
All this would have as its purpose, the reinforcement of the practitioners and the clear visualization of motivation before them.
5. The prize is not necessarily tangible
Tangible reinforcement should not be totally replaced, but complemented with words of praise that allow the association of the action with the incentive or recognition of the fact.
Note: The objective will always be to leave a gratifying sensation , but it will not always be reflected in a material way.
6. It can occur naturally
There are times when, in fact, the stimuli occur spontaneously, such as when we exercise: the body releases endorphins, which makes us feel happy and little by little we develop the desire to continue doing it.
It is a stimulus that comes in the form of a spontaneous response and from the nature of being. It is basically an intrinsic relationship between action and reaction, which intensifies the enthusiasm and willingness to carry out different behaviors that end up becoming a habit with better results.
7. Pleasant stimuli are used
The use of rewards or various reinforcers that are positively related are what allow the link that occurs in our brain to motivate us to repeat and develop certain specific behaviors.
What are the types of positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcements can be classified based on the naturewith which they occur in the behavioral learning processes of individuals. Below we are going to mention and define them in order to know and identify them in our daily lives:
1. Tangible
It is one that is identified by physical, material rewards. It can be money, toys, even food and they work as motivators for any age range. It is very important because of the impact they usually have and can be gradually eliminated.
2. Symbolic
Usually symbolic stimuli mean a prize that has no value on its own, but can be exchanged later and perhaps in larger amounts collected for a real and tangible one.
3. Social
Social reinforcements are those that involve certain types of elements that show approval. For example, expressions or behaviors where they validate an effort made as a task or a job.
4. Natural
It is when the action carried out has a spontaneous and natural promotion. They are available within the context of who we are as a person.
Examples of Positive Reinforcement
With all the information collected, we can add that the examples will facilitate the correct understanding of the functionality of this type of reinforcement, placing us in everyday situations that will allow us to identify and recognize them:
1. In learning
In teaching , reinforcements such as praise, symbolic reinforcements are applied. For example, when you see a child doing homework on their own, it’s important to encourage the attitude by pointing positively at them. Celebrate the effort, even when it is a responsibility, the habit must be created in this way.
In the same way, Congratulating students in front of others, rewarding the best works and showing them on a blog, giving recognitions, are examples that motivate students to be more dedicated.
2. At work
The effort and enthusiasm of the employees is something that must be valued and rewarded, especially in search of encouragement and motivation to repeat these actions more frequently. Feeling valued in a company is extremely important.
To highlight: Congratulate for a job well done, apply the employee of the month, the salary received at the end of the month and some bonuses, are examples of positive reinforcement in the workplace.
3. In the everyday
“Did you pick up all the toys? Very good, today it’s your turn to choose the movie we’re going to see!” “Did you eat everything? You deserve a dessert.”
It is important to emphasize that it is advisable to grant positive reinforcement when an effort has really been made, bribing with it in the face of refusal will produce negotiations that will modify the concept of the habit.
4. Clinically
For the treatment of phobias, for example, the patient is praised for carrying out certain tasks and complying with the treatments. In general terms, it also applies as taking your partner to dinner for the progress made.
Key Findings
- Positive reinforcements are a type of stimulus from a theory , which are applied to individuals for the behavioral process.
- Its main objective is to reinforce or reduce behaviors and suppress others to develop stable and appropriate behaviors according to what you would like to achieve.
- Positive reinforcers develop good sensations in the individual and allow them to be associated with carrying out a behavior, so it is reinforced and repetition of it is allowed.
- Positive reinforcement is a type of learning based on behavior and its consequences, which favors the repetition of a behavior through a reward.
- This reinforcement is used in different areas, such as work, learning, daily and clinical.
- In everyday life, they are Recognitions for some objectiveor task accomplished. And in the clinical setting, patients with some disorders are commended for adherence to treatment.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.