Supervision Conversation
Read this exchange between an RBT student and their BCBA supervisor about reinforcement and respondent conditioning.
Emma (RBT): Hi, Doctor! I was wondering if you could help me understand the difference between positive and negative reinforcement in ABA and how it differs from classical conditioning?
Keller (BCBA): Hello Emma! I’d be glad to help you with that. Positive and negative reinforcement are concepts in operant conditioning, which focuses on behavior and its consequences. Positive reinforcement occurs when a stimulus is added after a behavior and the behavior becomes more likely in the future. Praise, tokens or preferred items function as reinforcers only when they have that effect.
Emma: I see. So we identify positive reinforcement by adding something after a behavior and observing an increase in that behavior. But what about negative reinforcement?
Keller: Correct! Negative reinforcement involves removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus immediately after a behavior, which also increases that behavior. But remember, negative reinforcement is not punishment. It removes discomfort to increase a behavior. Positive and negative punishment, which you’ll learn about later, are about decreasing behavior.
Emma: Thank you! So positive and negative reinforcement both increase behavior, while punishment decreases it. And these are different from classical conditioning?
Keller: Yes! Classical conditioning, studied by Pavlov, involves associations between stimuli. A previously neutral stimulus can come to elicit a response after being paired with a stimulus that already elicits it. Operant conditioning, however, is all about how consequences shape future behavior.
Emma: That makes sense now. Thank you for explaining!
Keller: You’re welcome! Understanding these principles is essential for effective behavior change strategies. Keep asking questions as you learn more.
Essential Video
Watch this 3-minute, 15-second video from Side by Side. It provides a clear explanation of reinforcement, clears up common misconceptions, and shows examples of how RBTs might use reinforcement with autistic clients:
Optional Reading
For additional examples and diagrams, read Educate Autism: Negative Reinforcement. This article is not required for the reflection.
Conversation Exercise
Use FRED to explore positive and negative reinforcement and how to identify their effects on behavior.
Access FRED and guidance
Use the conversation icon at the bottom right, or open FRED. FRED guidance.
Reflection Exercise
Reflection and AI guidance
Revisit the reflection guidance from Module 1 if you need a reminder about personal reflection or acknowledging AI assistance.
If you submit early by mistake, email your correct reflection to connect@jigsawconnects.co.uk, including the module and lesson, so we can add it to your course record.
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