# Reinforcement Theory

Reinforcement theory does not concern itself with needs or thought processes in attempting to explain behaviour. Instead, reinforcement theory suggests that behaviour is determined by its consequences. This theory concentrates on what happens to a person when they take a particular action.

### The law of effect

Reinforcement theory relies heavily on a concept called the law of effect. This states that behaviour that results in a pleasant outcome is likely to be repeated; behaviour that results in an unpleasant outcome is not likely to be repeated. There are four types of consequences, or outcomes. Two increase the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated, and two decrease that likelihood.

Consequence 1: Positive reinforcement (the carrot)

Behaviour | Consequence | Result
A person does or says something. | They get what they want. | The behaviour will increase.
Example
You are having trouble writing a report and ask your boss for information | Your boss provides the information. | The next time you need information you will ask your boss.

Consequence 2: Punishment (the stick)

Behaviour | Consequence | Result
A person does or says something. | They get what they don't want. | The behaviour will decrease.
Example
You are having trouble writing a report and ask your boss for information. | Your boss says, 'Do I have to do all the work around here myself? Get your own information.' | The next time you need information, you will think twice before asking the boss.

Consequence 3: Extinction (ignore it and maybe it will go away)

Behaviour | Consequence | Result
A person does or says something. | They get a neutral or no response. | The behaviour will increase at first and then gradually decrease.
Example
You are having trouble writing a report and ask your boss for information. | Your boss says, 'I don't have time to answer that question right now.' | You will ask your boss a few more times for the information. If you get no response, you will eventually quit asking.

Consequence 4. Negative reinforcement

Behaviour | Consequence | Result
A person does or says something. | They escape from or avoid something they don't want. | The behaviour will increase.
Example
You are having trouble writing a report and ask your boss for information. | Your boss says, 'I've been thinking about that report. The problem's fixed itself. You don't need to do it now.' | The next time you have trouble with an assignment, or question its usefulness, you will ask your boss about it.

Many motivation experts strongly believe in the power of positive reinforcement. They tend to advise against trying to motivate people by using the other forms of reinforcement. They suggest, for example, that people only respond to negative reinforcement to the extent necessary to avoid the negative consequence. They do no more than the minimum. Punishment works in the short term, but it will only get you compliance or minimum performance. Extinction takes too long and is preceded by undesired behaviour.

#### Examples

Which of the following are instances of positive reinforcement?

- You walk into your office and flip on the light switch. The light comes on.
- You pull on your desk drawer to retrieve a file you need. The drawer opens.
- You call Helen's name. She responds.
- You type on your computer keypad. Words appear on the screen.
- You win an award for perfect attendance.

All of these are instances of positive reinforcement. You'd be inclined to do these things again. Now think about what you would do if your actions had different consequences. For example:

- You switch on the light and nothing happens.
- You call Helen's name and she snaps at you.
- Your colleagues sneer at your attendance record.

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