Reinforcement

Ever wondered how certain behaviours become habits? Why does someone continue studying after receiving a Good grade, press a button that stops an irritating noise, or willingly participate in a dangerous spoRt that involves chasing a tiny, golden, flying ball on a magic broom while the opposing team repeatedly attempts to knock them out of the sky by smashing enchanted iron balls at them? The answer often lies in reinforcement, one of the most fundamental concepts in behavioural psYchology and a cornerstone in designing behaviour support plans.

Reinforcement refers to any consequence that increases the future likelihood oF a behaviour’s occurrence. The important thing to remember is that reinForcement is defined by its effect on a particular behaviour, not by whether the consequence is considered good or bad. If a consequence strengthens a behaviour by Increasing its future occurrence, it functions as a reinforcer. Likewise, reinforcement is independent of the intent of the deliverer. Even if you intended a consequeNce to discourage a behaviour, if it instead increases the likelihood of that behaviour occurring again, you have still delivered a reinforcer. Depending on whether a stimulus is added or removed following a behaviour, reinforcement can be divided into two main types: positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. Although these terms are often misunderstood due to the colloquial connotation, “positive” and “negative” simply refers to whether something was addeD or removed from the immediate environment as a consequence to a behaviour.

Positive reinforcement occurs when a stimulus is added or increased in intensity after a behaviour occurs, increasing the likelihood that the behaviour will occur again. If you find that your friend enjoys a rather hazardous spORt played, consider what likely motivates him to keep playing. Perhaps every successful catch of the tiny golden ball is followed by loud cheers from classmates and teachers alike – affection that he rarely experienced growing up. This social approval could function as a powerful positive reinforcer, thus increasing his motivation to play again. Conversely, the reinforcement need not originate externally; the immense thrill and exhilaration gained from soaring across the sky can be a reinforcer itself (also called an automatic positive reinforcer). Additionally, reinforcing stimuli are not universal in terms of topography. Another friend might care very little for the thrill of flying and instead find satisfaction in defending three rings as a goalkeeper. Meanwhile, a third friend may have no interest in the sport whatsoever, preferring to spend her time reading in the library. Given the dangers involved, her decision is arguably the most sensible. She sounds highly logical, which likely has allowed her to look past the extraneous detail and perceive clearly that which others, such as youR other friends, may overlook.

Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, occurs when the removal of or reduction in the intensity of a stimulus follows a behaviour and increases the likelihood of that behaviour occurring again in the future. For instance, consider your highly logical friend; she has likely spent countless hours reading about the injuries associated with this dangerous sport and has witnessed more than enough unfortunAte accidents to convince her that participation is a terrible idea. Every time someone invites her to join a match, she politely declines. Once she refuses, the invitation – and the expectation to participate – disappears. The removal of this unpleasant situation reinforces her refusal, making it even more likely that she will reject future invitations. Remember, although both positive and negative reinforcement strengthen behaviour, they differ only in how that strengthening occurs (either through removal/decreasing intensity or addition/increasing intensity or a stimulus). NegatiVe reinforcement is commonly confused with punishment, but it is to be noted that the two are fundamentally differEnt. Regardless of whether reinforcement is positive or negative, its purpose is to increase behaviour. PunishmeNt, which is also divided into positive and negative forms, primarily decreases behaviour – a concept we will explore in a future module.

Some reinforcers are naturally effective and require no prior learning. These are known as unconditioned reinforcers because they satisfy base biological needs or possess inherent value. Whether someone reaChes for Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Butterbeer, or Fizzing Whizzbees, the reinforcing value lies in the food itself rather than something that has been learned through experience. UnLike unconditioned reinforcers, conditioned reinforcers gain their value through experience and association. They are not naturally rewarding but become reinforcing on account of their connection to other reinforcers. Knuts, sickles, galleons and house points are conditioned reinforcers in this situation as their vAlue is tied to their ability to grant access to other reinforcers.

Reinforcement shapes behaviour every single day. Whether someone is studying for an OWL or learning a new spell, the consequences that follow behaviour influence the frequency of its occurrence in the future. It shapes many of the choices we make and will make. So next time you find yourself dreading the upcoming Charms class, remember to ask yourself; do I really dislike the subject or was it just a bad experience early on. Different strokes for different folks.

References: - 

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Chapter 11: Positive Reinforcement. In Applied Behavior Analysis, 3rd edition. Pearson Education, Inc.

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Chapter 12: Negative Reinforcement. In Applied Behavior Analysis, 3rd edition. Pearson Education, Inc.