What is the Theory of Positve and negative reinforcement?

Question

What is the underlying theory of positive and negative reinforcement.

Answer 1

If you would like to control peoples behavior, then this is a tool you can use to make people do what you want them to do. By giving Positive reinforcement they will repeat their behavior. By giving negative reinforcement they will not repeat their behavior. Punishment or prize.

Answer 2

The underlying theory of positive and negative reinforcement is learning theory, specifically those theories by B.F. Skinner. The most misunderstood concept of learning theory is negative reinforcement. NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT IS NOT PUNISHMENT. By definition in behavioral learning theory, a reinforcement is anything that INCREASES the likelihood of the behavior just prior to its administration recurring. Punishment, on the other hand, is anything that DECREASES the likelihood of the behavior just prior to its administration recurring. The terms "positive" and "negative" refer only to the introduction of a stimulus or the removal of one. Therefore:

Positive reinforcement = INTRODUCTION of a PLEASANT stimulus in order to INCREASE the likelihood of the behavior recurring.

Negative reinforcement = REMOVAL of a NOXIOUS stimulus in order to INCREASE the likelihood of the behavior recurring.

Positive punishment = INTRODUCTION of a NOXIOUS stimulus in order to DECREASE the likelihood of the behavior recurring.

Negative punishment = REMOVAL of a PLEASANT stimulus in order to DECREASE the likelihood of the behavior recurring.