Introduction
Extrinsic reinforcers are tangible rewards or punishments used to motivate and shape behavior. Extrinsic reinforcement has been studied extensively in the fields of psychology and education, and is often used by teachers and parents to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesirable ones (Gresham & MacMillan, 1997). This article will provide an overview of the concept of extrinsic reinforcement, discuss its potential benefits and drawbacks, and provide suggestions for its effective use.
Overview of Extrinsic Reinforcement
Extrinsic reinforcement is a type of reinforcement that is used to motivate a desired behavior by offering an external reward or punishment (Gresham & MacMillan, 1997). Examples of extrinsic rewards include praise, verbal praise, tangible rewards, such as money or toys, and verbal rewards, such as “good job” or “well done.” Examples of extrinsic punishments include verbal reprimands, time-outs, or loss of privileges (Gresham & MacMillan, 1997). The use of extrinsic reinforcement is based on the principles of operant conditioning, which states that behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated, and behaviors that are punished are less likely to be repeated (Skinner, 1953).
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
The use of extrinsic reinforcement has been found to be effective in shaping behavior in both children and adults (Gresham & MacMillan, 1997). It can be used to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesirable ones. Extrinsic reinforcement can also provide a sense of accomplishment for the individual, as they can see that their efforts are being rewarded with tangible rewards.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to the use of extrinsic reinforcement. It can create a feeling of dependence on the reward, which can lead to decreased motivation when the reward is not present. It can also lead to the overjustification effect, which is when an individual’s intrinsic motivation to engage in a behavior is decreased by the introduction of an extrinsic reward (Deci, Koestner, & Ryan, 1999).
Suggestions for Effective Use
When using extrinsic reinforcement, it is important to use it in a way that is effective and appropriate. Here are some suggestions for effective use:
• Use rewards that are appropriate for the age and development level of the individual.
• Use rewards that are meaningful and desirable to the individual.
• Don’t overuse rewards, as this can lead to an overjustification effect.
• Make sure the rewards are contingent on the desired behavior, and not just given out randomly.
• Provide frequent feedback and recognition for desired behaviors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, extrinsic reinforcement can be an effective tool for shaping behavior. However, it is important to use it in a way that is appropriate and effective. By using these suggestions, teachers and parents can ensure that extrinsic reinforcement is used in a way that is beneficial to the individual and encourages desired behaviors.
References
Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125(6), 627–668. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.125.6.627
Gresham, F. M., & MacMillan, D. L. (1997). Behavior assessment system for children. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.
Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York, NY: Macmillan.