Reinforcements are consequences that increase a behaviour in the future.

A reward given after a desired behaviour, for example, is a reinforcement.

There are two types of reinforcement:

• Positive reinforcement: when, after a desired behaviour, a desirable consequence is presented. For example, a reward given after a desired behaviour is manifested.
• Negative reinforcement: when, after a desired behaviour, an unpleasant consequence is removed. For example, a child doesn’t have to tidy up their room (unpleasant activity) after studying and getting a good score at school (desired behaviour).

Punishments are consequences that decrease a behaviour in the future.

It is a punishment when, after an undesired behaviour, an unpleasant consequence is presented. For example, forbid to go to the favourite sport match after a child hits another child at school.

Researches suggest that positive reinforcement works better than punishment.

Positive reinforcements that contribute to increase intrinsic motivation (like praises for example) of the desired behaviour are better than rewards that lever only on extrinsic motivation.

Related Questions:

Related Topics:

• Motivation

References

• Inspiring and Motivating individuals | 2019 | University of Michigan by Coursera