Positive
Presentation of a stimulus
Negative
Removal of a stimulus
Reinforcement
A stimulus event following a behavior that increases the future frequency of that type of behavior in similar conditions.
Punishment
A stimulus event following a behavior that decreases the future frequency of that type of behavior in similar conditions.
Positive ReinforcmentAntecedent: Teacher poses a question to the class
Behavior: Student answers correctly Consequence: Verbal praise In this scenario, the presentation (positive) of a stimulus (verbal praise) increases the future frequency (reinforcement) of the behavior (answering questions). |
Negative ReinforcementAntecedent: Alarm clock goes off in the morning
Behavior: Hit 'Snooze' button Consequence: Alarm turns off, continue to sleep In this scenario, the removal (negative) of a stimulus (alarm clock) increases the future frequency (reinforcement) of the behavior (hitting snooze). |
Positive PunishmentAntecedent: Open lane on highway
Behavior: Speeding in car Consequence: Receive a ticket, slow down In this scenario, the presentation (positive) of a stimulus (speeding ticket) decreases the future frequency (punishment) of the behavior (speeding). |
Negative PunishmentAntecedent: TV loses signal
Behavior: Throw controller at TV, break screen Consequence: Can not longer watch TV In this scenario, the removal (negative) of a stimulus (TV now broken) decreases the future frequency (punishment) of the behavior (throwing controller). |