What is positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement refers to a process in which a stimulus is presented following a desired behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. The key aspect of positive reinforcement is that it adds a pleasant or rewarding stimulus after the behavior occurs, which can be anything from praise and rewards to tangible items or privileges that are valued by the individual.

For example, if a child is given praise or a treat for completing their homework, the child is more likely to complete their homework again in the future because they experienced a positive outcome. This helps to strengthen the behavior of doing homework, thus reinforcing it. The effectiveness of positive reinforcement often hinges on the timing and the type of reinforcer used, ensuring that the individual associates the behavior with the positive outcome. This process is foundational in both educational and behavioral management contexts, helping to promote desired behaviors through positive outcomes.