Reinforcing Causes: A Review of Their Impact on Human Behavior
Abstract
Reinforcing causes are stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. This paper reviews the literature on reinforcing causes and their impact on human behavior. The review focuses on three main areas of research: (1) the types of reinforcing causes, (2) their effects on behavior, and (3) how they are used to shape behavior. Evidence suggests that reinforcing causes can have a strong effect on behaviors, and can be used to modify behavior in positive ways.
Introduction
Humans are constantly exposed to a wide variety of stimuli in the environment. Some of these stimuli have the potential to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. These stimuli, known as reinforcing causes, can have a significant impact on human behavior. Reinforcing causes can be used to modify behavior in positive ways, such as increasing desired behaviors or decreasing undesired behaviors. This review will provide an overview of the literature on reinforcing causes and their impact on human behavior.
Types of Reinforcing Causes
Reinforcing causes can be either positive or negative. Positive reinforcement is the addition of a stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Negative reinforcement is the removal of an aversive stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated (Ginsburg & Schloss, 2016). Examples of positive reinforcement include rewards, such as money or praise, while examples of negative reinforcement include avoiding punishment or escaping an unpleasant situation.
Effects of Reinforcing Causes
Reinforcing causes can have a significant effect on behavior. Research suggests that positive reinforcement can increase desired behaviors, while negative reinforcement can decrease undesired behaviors (Ginsburg & Schloss, 2016). For example, positive reinforcement has been shown to be effective in increasing academic performance in children (Ginsburg & Schloss, 2016). Similarly, negative reinforcement has been found to be effective in decreasing disruptive behaviors in children (Ginsburg & Schloss, 2016).
Shaping Behavior with Reinforcing Causes
Reinforcing causes can also be used to shape behavior. Shaping is a process in which a desired behavior is gradually acquired through the use of reinforcement (Ginsburg & Schloss, 2016). This process involves breaking down a desired behavior into smaller steps and reinforcing each step until the desired behavior is achieved (Ginsburg & Schloss, 2016). For example, a parent may use positive reinforcement to shape a child’s behavior, such as praising the child for completing small tasks until the desired behavior is achieved.
Conclusion
Reinforcing causes can have a significant effect on human behavior. Positive reinforcement has been found to be effective in increasing desired behaviors, while negative reinforcement can decrease undesired behaviors. In addition, reinforcing causes can be used to shape behavior in positive ways. This review has provided an overview of the literature on reinforcing causes and their impact on human behavior.
References
Ginsburg, G. S., & Schloss, P. J. (2016). The science of learning: A guide to evidence-based instruction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.