Positive and negative reinforcement in behavior modification

Positive & Negative Reinforcements

Reinforcement makes a behavior (response) occur with greater frequency. It has two types: positive and negative. Positive reinforcement happens when a response is followed by the addition of a favorable stimulus. Negative reinforcement occurs when a response is followed by the removal of an aversive stimulus. In the context of reinforcement, positive and negative refers to the addition and removal of a stimulus, respectively. Either positive or negative reinforcement, the consequence, still, is to increase the frequency of a behavior (Santrock, 2005).

Reinforcements can be used in the case of Dorothy and her elderly mom whom she wants to help regain independence after the operation. At first, Dorothy may start with small tasks such as sitting up straight on the bed, eating, or standing; then eventually escalating to going out for short walks, preparing meals, or gardening.

After her mom has finished a task independently, Dorothy may choose to add a favorable stimulus. For example, upon sitting up straight on the bed, Dorothy may prepare her mom's favorite dish, give her a book, or other material gifts. The favorable stimulus may also come in the permission to let the mom do the activities she likes, such as play the music she used to be listening to when she was younger, visit places, or do her crochet. She can also think of win-win deals; for example, Dorothy may set an agreement with her mom that she will give her one of the ingredients of her favorite dish every time she completes her short walk in the morning. Come weekend, the ingredients are already complete so the dish can be prepared, and her mom has completed her walk for the week. Remember, though, that the stimulus to be added does not always have to be grand and costly; it just has to be favorable in her mom's view. It could be as simple as a high-five, pat on the back, praise, a kiss, or a hug. It could also be simple words and actions that could make her mom feel needed around the house since being needed gives the person a feel of being important -- a form of favorable stimulus.