Reinforcement

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is a process in which a consequence is given following a desired behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will occur again under similar conditions.   In other words, reinforcement is the procedure of using reinforces to increase the rate of a behavior. It is the most important element of most behavior change. It should be noted that activities, foods, or items that are generally considered pleasant or enjoyable by others may not necessarily be reinforcing. For example, if a child receives a piece of chocolate when he asks for one and the frequency of “chocolate‐requesting behavior” increases, the chocolate can be seen as a reinforce that reinforces “chocolate‐requesting behavior.” On the other hand, if chocolate‐requesting behavior does not increase, the chocolate cannot be considered as reinforce.
There are generally two types of reinforcement, positive and negative. Positive reinforcement refers to an increase in the future frequency of a behavior due to the addition of a stimulus following an event. For example, a cookie is given to a child whenever he sits appropriately. On the other hand, negative reinforcement refers to an increase in the future frequency of a behavior due to the removal of a stimulus following an event. For example, Driving in heavy traffic is a negative condition for most of us. If I leave home earlier than usual and I don't run into heavy traffic. So I leave home earlier again the next morning and again you avoid heavy traffic. So my behavior of leaving home earlier is strengthened by the consequence of the avoidance of heavy traffic.
The purpose of using reinforcement is to increase the frequency of a desired behavior occurring again under similar situations. As such, reinforce is the consequence of a behavior, leading to future occurrence. Positive reinforcement means the presentation of a consequence increases a behavior whereas negative reinforcement removes a negative stimulus to increase the...