ABSTRACT
This chapter defines positive reinforcement. It distinguishes between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. The chapter describes factors that influence the effectiveness of positive reinforcement. A positive reinforcer is anything that, when presented immediately following a behavior, causes the behavior to increase in frequency. Most positive reinforcers can be classified under five somewhat overlapping headings: consumable, activity, manipulative, possessional, and social. According to the response deprivation model, to be a positive reinforcer the opportunity to engage in a given behavior does not have to be a behavior that the individual engages in a lot. Events or conditions—such as deprivation and satiation—that temporarily alter the effectiveness of a reinforcer and alter the frequency of behavior reinforced by that reinforcers are called motivating operations. The size of a reinforcer is an important determinant of its effectiveness. For maximum effectiveness, a reinforcer should be given immediately after the desired response.
