By Jason Hreha

Glossary

Positive Reinforcement

Reviewed by Jason Hreha

Published 1 min read

What is positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement occurs when a consequence presented after a behavior makes that behavior more likely in the future. The stimulus is classified as reinforcing by its effect on subsequent behavior, not merely because someone considers it pleasant. Positive reinforcement is one of the basic principles of operant conditioning, in which behavior changes as a function of its consequences. Here, positive means something is added; it does not mean the behavior is morally good.

Positive versus negative reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is often contrasted with negative reinforcement, which involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior.

Positive reinforcement example

Suppose a learner receives a point after completing a practice problem and, because of that consequence, completes more practice problems in the future. The added point functions as positive reinforcement in that example. Merely offering points does not show reinforcement if the behavior does not increase.

Completing a practice problem earns a point; because of that consequence, more problems are completed in the future.
In this hypothetical example, the added point increases later problem-solving. Offering a reward alone does not establish reinforcement; the behavior must increase because of it.
Read the diagram

Suppose a learner completes a practice problem and receives a point. If receiving the point makes the learner complete more practice problems in the future, the added point functions as positive reinforcement. Positive means added, not morally good.

Sources: B. F. Skinner, Science and Human Behavior

Source: Science and Human Behavior.