Reinforcement Theory: Behaviorism And Operant Conditioning

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Background of Reinforcement Theory

Reinforcement theory, one of the oldest theories of motivation, is derived by B.F. Skinner to explain behavior and why we do what we do. This theory also known as Behaviorism or Operant Conditioning, which states that an individual’s behavior is a function of its consequences (Management Study Guide, 2013). It is based on “Law of Effect” concept, provided that those actions with positive consequences tends to be repeated by individual, on the contrary, those behaviors that result in negative or unpleasant outcomes tends not to be repeated.

Reinforcement theory is the process of shaping behavior by controlling the consequences of the behavior. This theory focuses on the observable behaviors instead of the …show more content…

In other words, punishment means adding something aversive or negative to reduce the continuous of the unwanted behaviors. Punishment is different from reinforcement since it is designed to weaken or eliminate a response instead of increasing it. Punishment is a commonly used approach, but many study experts suggest that it should be used if positive and negative reinforcement failed to function. It is used to change employees’ behavior and provide a chance for them to turn over a new leaf (Griffin W. Rickey). Examples of punishment are layoffs, verbal or written reprimands and disciplining a child for misbehaving. Punishment is said to be more acceptable than positive reinforcement because people behave in responsible ways to avoid being punished (Maag, 2001).

Punishment is divided into two types, which is positive punishment and negative punishment. Positive punishment decreases the undesired behaviors by adding a negative outcome or consequence to the individual (Griggs, 2009). It is usually called “punishment” or “punishment by application” (D. Hockenbury & S. Hockenbury, 2010). For example, the teacher reprimanding a student for coming late for the class, the officer issuing the speeding ticket, and the discipline teacher scolding a student that dye her

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