Reinforcement
Behavior analysts knowingly use reinforcement to increase behavior. However, we all use reinforcement every day, in our dealings with other people. We may not call it reinforcement, but it is happening all the time! Reinforcement
involves 1) the systematic and immediate delivery of a consequence (following a behavior) and 2) an increased likelihood that the behavior will happen again. In fact, we can only know that something is a reinforcer after we watch its effect on behavior over time. Simply providing a preferred item contingent upon a behavior will not necessarily result in an increase in behavior under similar conditions in the future.
Type 1 Reinforcement
Type 1 reinforcement (also referred to as positive reinforcement) involves the addition of something desirable, such as praise, hugs, a gummy bear, and stickers. Example 1 A teacher is instructing Thomas to point to objects. She puts a ball, a cup, a shoe, a spoon, and a hat on the table. She instructs him to “Touch the shoe.” Thomas touches the shoe. The teacher enthusiastically says, “Hooray! You touched the shoe. Now you get to put on your shoes and go outside.” • Behavior: following an instruction by touching an item • Consequence: received praise and a chance to go outside and play • Future effect: makes following Example 2 Johnny sees a friend eating a cookie. He points to the cookie. His mother then gives him a cookie. • Behavior: pointing to a desired item (cookie) to ask for it • Consequence: received a cookie when (and only when) he asked for it • Future effect: makes pointing to a desired item (cookie) more likely to occur the next time he sees something he wants instructions more likely to occur the next time someone asks him to do something
Type 2 Reinforcement
Type 2 reinforcement (also referred to as negative reinforcement) involves the removal of something undesirable. Example 1 We turn off an alarm clock to stop the loud repetitive sound. • Behavior: touching “off” button on clock •
Consequence: removing undesirable alarm sound
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Future effect: makes “touching- off-button” behavior more likely to occur the next time alarm sounds
Example 2 At McDonald’s Playland, a child is overwhelmed by the loud noises. The child requests to leave, saying “car, car.” The family leaves. • Behavior: requesting to go home •
Consequence: exiting reduces exposure to undesired noise Future effect: makes requesting to go home more likely to occur the next time child experiences high noise level
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ABA Principles & Methods
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