Tag: The Behaviour Jargon Buster

What is Positive Reinforcement? (Including Examples Approved by Dr. Aubrey Daniels!)

By Beth

Last updated on May 11th, 2017 at 01:42 pm

Image courtesy of Wikipedia 

*  I am delighted to announce that this article was written in collaboration with Dr Aubrey Daniels’, the author of “Bringing Out the Best in People” and all-round behaviour expert! Keep reading to discover the examples of positive reinforcement that we explained.

‘Positive Reinforcement’ is a term that is used frequently in the world of psychology and behaviour analysis. But what exactly is it and why should you know about it?

Positive reinforcement is a process which strengthens the type of behaviour that it is applied to. It is a consequence which follows the occurrence of behaviour, just as your actions could be followed by a smile from your friend. This consequence can increase the likelihood of you eliciting a similar response in the future, under the same circumstances. Explained more simply, positive reinforcement means: you do something, then you immediately get something you like and you will be more likely to engage in similar behaviour again in the future under a similar context.

Reinforcement is like the fuel you add to the (metaphorical!) fire to keep a behaviour going.

Continue reading What is Positive Reinforcement? (Including Examples Approved by Dr. Aubrey Daniels!) →

What is Reinforcement? Your ultimate guide!

By Beth

Last updated on April 16th, 2020 at 11:37 am

You’ll hear the term “reinforcement” used a lot in this blog and with good reason too. It’s one of the most interesting and important concepts to come out of behaviour analysis (the science of understanding behaviour). And its something that’s shaping how you behave on a daily basis! But myths and common misconceptions have lead to a lot of confusion as to what reinforcement actually is. So this is going to be my guide to explaining what reinforcement means, what the two types of reinforcement are and what the differences between them is. Happy reading!

Continue reading What is Reinforcement? Your ultimate guide! →

What is Behaviour Analysis? A Quick Guide

By Beth

Last updated on April 16th, 2020 at 11:32 am

If you’re new to the concept of behaviour analysis then this post should get you up to speed with some of the key ideas.

The main thing that separates behaviour analysis from other types of psychology is this: instead of believing that our behaviour is caused by some kind of underlying trait that lives inside of us, behaviour analysis takes the viewpoint that the majority of our behaviour is actually learned and determined through interactions with our environment.

  • We aim to understand, explain, describe and predict behaviour
  • We have developed a set of “principles of behaviour” based upon years of scientific research. One example of these principles is reinforcement. These principles help us to recognize predictable patterns in behaviour.
  • Our goal is to use our research to help to make a really significant and positive impact on people’s lives

Behaviour analysis can be applied to so many different things! Business, classroom management, self-help, interventions for people with autism, recycling…… The list is endless!

In the image below you can see at a glance what behaviour analysis is and what it is not

Watermarked what is BA pic

I hope that I’ve managed to get you a bit more familiar with behaviour analysis.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section!