Microlearning Positive and negative reinforcement

By: Neisha Watson

Positive and Negative Reinforcement

Objective: By the end of this microlearning session, Registered Behavior Technicians will be able to distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement and understand their applications (ABA)

What is Reinforcement?

Reinforcement is a core concept in ABA used to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future. Reinforcement can be classified into two main types:

• Positive Reinforcement

• Negative Reinforcement

Reinforcement can be classified into two main types:

• Positive Reinforcement

• Negative Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable (a reinforcer) after a behavior, which makes the behavior more likely to occur in the future.

POSITIVE reinforcement

Example: Behavior: A child says "please" when asking for a toy. Reinforcer: The parent gives the child the toy. Result: The child is more likely to say "please" in the future to get a toy.

Tips for Effective Positive Reinforcement:

• Choose reinforcers that are motivating for the individual.
• Reinforce immediately after the behavior occurs to create a clear connection.
• Use variety in reinforcers to keep the individual engaged.

Negative reinforcement involves removing something aversive (unpleasant) after a behavior, which also makes the behavior more likely to occur in the future.

NEGATIVE reinforcement

Example: If a parent nags a child to clean their room and the nagging stops when the child finally cleans, the removal of the nagging reinforces the child’s behavior of cleaning the room. Behavior : child clean room Reinforcer: no nagging Result: the child is more likely to clean room to avoid nagging

Tips for Effective Negative Reinforcement:

• Be clear about the behavior that will result in the removal of the aversive stimulus.
• Ensure that the aversive stimulus is not too intense to cause distress or frustration.
• Focus on constructive behaviors and ensure the individual is motivated to escape or avoid the aversive stimulus.
• Negative reinforcement is not punishment;

quiz!

Both positive and negative reinforcement are essential tools in ABA to shape behavior. Understanding when and how to use each type of reinforcement will help you as an RBT to better support clients in developing desirable behaviors. Remember: Positive Reinforcement: Add something desirable to increase behavior. Negative Reinforcement: Remove something aversive to increase behavior. Thank you for completing this microlearning module! Keep practicing and applying these principles in your sessions for effective behavior change.

Again

THANK YOU!