Types of reinforcement

The study of reinforcement has produced an enormous body of reproducible

experimental results. Reinforcement is the central concept and procedure in special
education, applied behavior analysis, the experimental analysis of behavior.

 Positive reinforcement: the adding of an appetitive stimulus to increase a

certain behavior or response.
Example: Father gives candy to his daughter when she picks up her toys.
 Punishment (positive punishment): the adding of an aversive stimulus to
decrease a certain behavior or response.
Example: Mother yells at a child when running into the street.

 Negative reinforcement: the taking of an aversive stimulus to increase

certain behavior or response.
Example: Rolling up the window to block the wind.

 Negative punishment (omission training): the taking away of an appetitive

stimulus to decrease a certain behavior.
Example: Taking away a night light when child does not go to bed.