Positive reinforcement is receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed. For example, praise from a teacher for answering a question in class.
What is negative reinforcement?
Negative reinforcement occurs when something unpleasant is avoided and the outcome is positive. For example, when a student hands in their homework to avoid getting a detention, the avoidance of the detention is the negative reinforcement.
What is punishment?
Punishment is an unpleasant consequence of behaviour, for example being shouted at by a teacher for talking during a lesson. (Avoiding this punishment would be negative reinforcement.)
The Skinner box
Positive reinforcement - When the animal in the box pressed the lever, a food pellet was dispensed, causing the animal to repeat this action.
Negative reinforcement - When the animal in the box pressed the lever, a small electrical shock was delivered, causing the animal to avoid pressing the lever again.
