What is the difference between negative and positive reinforcement?

What is the difference between negative and positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement involves adding a rewarding stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus.

Can you give me an example of positive reinforcement?

Sure! If a child receives praise for doing their homework, they are more likely to do it again in the future.

And what about negative reinforcement?

An example of negative reinforcement is turning off a loud alarm when you wake up, which encourages you to get up on time.

Are there any downsides to using negative reinforcement?

Yes, over-reliance on negative reinforcement can lead to anxiety or avoidance behaviors, as individuals may focus on escaping unpleasant situations.