What are the benefits of using rewards as a form of behavior modification?

Question

Early behavioral psychologists demonstrated it is easier to modify behavior when the expected behavior is rewarded. For example, you compliment your child for doing well in school, or you get coupons for your next purchase because you spent so much at the grocery store. What are the benefits of using rewards as a form of behavior modification? Also what are some negative affects that can occur if the wrong behaviors are rewarded?

Answer 1

The area of concern is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Extrinsic rewards are things like chocolate, stickers, extra pocketmoney etc. Intrinsic rewards are things like increased self-esteem, a sense of self-reliance, pride, things like that - intangible things that make up a person's character.
It is important to also encourage kids to want to do things because they feel good about themselves afterwards, not just because they are bribed or rewarded for doing them. Part of being an adult - a large part - is learning to do things we don't want to do, in order to be able to have things that we do want to have. But we also have to learn that sometimes there is no financial payoff for being a good person.
So long as you emphasise intrinsic rewards as well, and don't rely entirely upon extrinsic rewards, it's fine. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, it's generally considered better that using punishment, because using punishment can get you in trouble with the humane society, or CPS.

Possible negative effects include begging, expecting a reward, and inadvertently rewarding undesirable behavior.

Some unverfied sources have claimed that rewarding a behavior only occasionally can make that behavior be repeated more often, and more easily than reliable rewards. One problem with all this is how you identify rewards, since a reward is in fact a subjective term Reeses Pieces may be a desirable reward to some, but if your child is allergic to peanuts... And on the other side of the spectrum are the children that are absolutely so starved for attention that they misbehave just to get a stern talking to, because that is the most face time they can get with an adult.

On a more mature level, for adults, the question of rewards and punishments become extremely murky in the realm of BDSM, where "punishment" is in fact considered a reward... but people don't just instantly turn into kinks, so one must wonder what system of rewards and punishments go into producing these people in the first place....

Answer 3

I have two children 5/2. With my 5 yr old we have a chart that we agreed upon things that were expected of her. If she follows the rules at the end of the day she will get a sticker on the chart in the specific area that she followed. Then once she has earned 25 stickers in total she gets to rent a movie. If she saves those stickers and gets 50 then she gets to go to the theater with popcorn etc... but if she saves 75 stickers then we go to the store and let her pick something of her choice (within reason). There for by doing this we encourage her to be good all the time to work toward a goal. It also shows her that saving can be rewarding also. It seems to work pretty good with her but every child is different. It seems to help if you have them help set up reasonable rules. That way the understand what you want them to do.

Answer 4

Your child will get used to the rewards, and expect a reward or they won't be good. Now, don't get me wrong, I am all about occasionally rewarding a child, but not everytime. They will become immune to the reason for the reward, and just be good because they WANT what you are going to give them or do for them. So use rewards in conjunction with another discipline. I occasionally reward, but when they are not doing what they know they should (after 2 warnings, age appropriately ofcourse) I will take away privileges. That combination I have noticed is VERY effective! Good luck!

Answer 5

I've got three kids 15 / 10 / 3 and from my experience the posititive reward thing works. They get something good and therefore want to repeat the behavior. As to the negative side, by rewarding that behavior you are reinforcing it

Answer 6

I think the benefits are a well-behaved child, who learns that consequences can be good, as well as negative. It also avoids hitting, which is NOT a good example.
If you reward the wrong behaviors, you will get a repeat of those....

Answer 7

in actuality confident. evaluate scientology. there are diverse comments popping out approximately this "cult". remember Jones city the place the followers committed mass suicide and gave poison to their toddlers first.it is suggestions washing at it is excellent. i think if we stick to the ten Commandments we ought to continuously be exceptionally secure and could be known into paradise and stay an eternal existence. i don't have self belief it is as much as all of us to assert i would be punished or curse me or criticise me while i don't completely stick to a undeniable faith. i think in God and his Son Jesus.