SKINNER (5) – REFORÇO POSITIVO E REFORÇO NEGATIVO | BEHAVIORISMO (SEGUNDA TEMPORADA)

Summary

This video delves into B.F. Skinner's reinforcement theory, exploring the difference between reinforcement and rewards. It discusses how behaviors are strengthened by positive reinforcement (adding a desirable stimulus) and negative reinforcement (removing an aversive stimulus). Skinner's work emphasizes that reinforcers can be internal or external, and their effectiveness varies based on individual experiences. The video also highlights the complexity of reinforcing human behaviors compared to animals and introduces money as a generalized reinforcer. Finally, it touches on the broader implications of Skinner's work in advancing objective psychological studies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reinforcement strengthens behavior, increasing its likelihood of happening again.
• 😀 Reinforcement and reward are not the same: reinforcement increases behavior probability, while rewards are not always reinforcing.
• 😀 Reinforcers exist in the environment all the time, but often go unnoticed by individuals.
• 😀 Behaviors linked to survival (e.g., food, hygiene, sex) are naturally reinforced, as they support individual and species survival.
• 😀 Negative reinforcement involves removing aversive stimuli to increase behavior likelihood, like stopping pain or discomfort.
• 😀 Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable (e.g., money, approval, food) to encourage a behavior.
• 😀 Money is a generalized reinforcer, meaning it can be exchanged for various other reinforcers (e.g., food, status).
• 😀 Skinner's reinforcement theory is more complex in humans due to individual differences in what is considered reinforcing.
• 😀 Some behaviors may be reinforced by negative experiences (e.g., punishments), depending on individual history and context.
• 😀 Skinner's behaviorist approach replaced mentalism in psychology by focusing on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts and feelings.

Q & A

What is the main concept behind Skinner's reinforcement theory?

Skinner's reinforcement theory focuses on how behavior is strengthened through reinforcement, which increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future. Reinforcement can be positive (adding a favorable stimulus) or negative (removing an aversive stimulus).

How does positive reinforcement work?

Positive reinforcement involves adding a favorable stimulus, such as food, money, or social approval, to increase the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated. For example, if someone receives praise for a behavior, they are more likely to engage in that behavior again.

What is the difference between reinforcement and reward?

Reinforcement refers to any consequence that strengthens a behavior and increases its likelihood of being repeated, while a reward is a specific type of reinforcement that is inherently pleasurable or desirable to the individual. However, not all reinforcements are rewarding.

Can you provide an example of negative reinforcement?

An example of negative reinforcement is when someone turns down the volume of a loud noise after being asked. The removal of the unpleasant stimulus (loud noise) strengthens the likelihood of the person asking again in the future when a similar situation arises.

What role do generalized reinforcers, like money, play in Skinner's theory?

Generalized reinforcers, such as money, are valuable because they can be exchanged for a variety of other reinforcers (e.g., food, shelter, status). This makes them broadly effective in reinforcing behaviors across many contexts and for many individuals.

Why is reinforcement more complex in humans compared to animals?

Reinforcement in humans is more complex because individuals have unique histories of experiences, and what reinforces behavior can vary greatly from person to person. For example, while some people may be reinforced by praise, others may find negative experiences, like criticism, reinforcing.

What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasurable or desirable stimulus to strengthen a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to encourage the repetition of a behavior. Both result in the strengthening of the behavior.

How do behaviors that support survival become reinforced?

Behaviors that increase the chances of survival, such as seeking food, hygiene, and sexual behaviors, are naturally reinforced because they ensure the organism's survival. Similarly, behaviors that help avoid harm or dangerous situations, like avoiding extreme weather or injury, are also reinforced.

How does Skinner’s approach to psychology differ from mentalism?

Skinner's approach, known as radical behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and the environmental factors that influence it, rather than the study of the mind through introspection, as seen in mentalism. Skinner sought to study behavior objectively and scientifically.

What did Skinner believe about human behavior compared to animal behavior?

Skinner believed that while animal behavior can be relatively straightforward to reinforce, human behavior is more complicated due to the individual differences in experiences, preferences, and responses to reinforcement. This makes it harder to determine what will reinforce a specific human behavior.