Negative reinforcement is taking something away that the child doesn’t like in response to good behavior. One of many examples of negative reinforcement could be a parent removing a chore due to the child having a great day at school.
What is Reinforcement?
Reinforcement is a way of molding and promoting particular behaviors in humans and other living creatures. This reinforcement usually takes place over a long period, i.e., over a school year. Reinforcement seeks to understand what is ‘acceptable’ behavior and what is ‘unacceptable.’ It also strives to encourage expected responses and reactions in its target. People giving the reinforcement usually aim to create a healthy balance of positive reinforcement, positive punishment, negative reinforcement, and negative punishment, emphasizing positive reinforcement wherever possible.
What is Negative Reinforcement?
It’s a common misconception that negative reinforcement is the opposite of positive reinforcement. Many believe that whereas positive reinforcement is giving rewards, negative reinforcement is giving punishments and sanctions. However, this is not the case. Negative reinforcements can feel just as rewarding to a child as favorable reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is giving a child something for their excellent behavior, such as a chocolate bar or toy. Negative reinforcement is taking something away that the child doesn’t like in response to good behavior. One of many examples of negative reinforcement could be a parent removing a chore due to the child having a great day at school.
There are, however, punishments known as positive punishments and negative punishments. For example, a positive sentence would give children more chores in response to negative behavior. On the other hand, a negative sentence would be to take away a child’s gaming time.
What is More Effective, Positive or Negative Reinforcement
By comparing negative and positive reinforcement examples, scientists have concluded that positive reinforcement in isolation is better. However, a combination of the two overall has the most significant effect. Here we shall go over some examples of negative reinforcement.
