The Importance of Negative Reinforcement in Learning
Negative reinforcement can be viewed as one of the forms of learning. It implies the model of encouragement of specific behaviors by removing a negative outcome or a stimulus (Kandola, 2020). It is a part of the operant conditioning theory offered as a theory of learning by Skinner (Spielman, Jenkins, and Lovett 2022).
For instance, negative reinforcement is used in learning when teaching children good behavioral patterns. They should know that specific actions will be supported by the unpleasant outcome, which leads to forming a particular association and the desire to avoid such actions. It is one of the most potent tools for working with humans and animals.
The Value of Positive Reinforcement in Learning
Positive reinforcement is another form of learning that psychologists discuss. It implies providing a desirable or pleasant stimulus after behavior to ensure specific patterns are remembered and associated with acquiring positive outcomes (Ackerman, 2019). For instance, every good example or academic achievement can be supported in learning by providing extra bonuses such as rewards or appraisals. It will lead to the formation of the desired behavioral patterns and the desire to repeat the same action to attain positive results and be rewarded.
The Role of Punishment in Behavior Management
Finally, punishment might also be a potent teaching tool that leads to the formation of specific behaviors. It can be determined as an undesired stimulus introduced to remove or discourage a specific behavior (Ackerman, 2019). The severity of an unpleasant stimulus impacts the overall perception of punishment and its effectiveness (Spielman, Jenkins, and Lovett 2022).
In learning, punishment is one approach that helps ensure specific actions will not be repeated. For instance, children are usually punished because their actions violate existing rules. It leads to the association between the action and adverse outcomes, which helps to avoid repeating the same behaviors in the future.
References
Ackerman, Courtney. 2019. “Positive reinforcement in psychology.” Positive psychology. Web.
Kandola, Aaron. 2020. “What is negative reinforcement?” MedicalNewsToday. Web.
Spielman, Rose, William Jenkins, and Marylin Lovett. 2022. Psychology. 2nd ed. New York: OpenStax.