Ch 7 Feedback, Reinforcement, and Intrinsic Motivation

Summary

This script explores reinforcement and intrinsic motivation, emphasizing the impact of rewards and punishments on behavior. It discusses BF Skinner's theories on operant conditioning and how reinforcement can vary in effectiveness. The script contrasts positive and negative reinforcement methods, using examples from 'The Simpsons' and sports coaching. It advocates a predominantly positive approach, highlighting potential negative side effects of punishment. The importance of intrinsic motivation and creating a conducive environment for it is also discussed, along with strategies to facilitate flow and enhance performance.

Takeaways

• 😊 Reinforcement involves using rewards and punishments to increase or decrease the likelihood of specific behaviors.
• 💪 Motivation is enhanced by creating environments that foster pleasure, growth, and mastery through positive techniques.
• 📚 BF Skinner emphasized the role of reinforcement in learning, stating that students can learn faster with structured reinforcement.
• 😇 Positive reinforcement encourages repeating desirable behaviors by rewarding them, while negative reinforcement discourages unwanted behaviors through punishment.
• 🧠 Different individuals may react differently to the same reinforcements, highlighting the complexity of human behavior.
• 🏈 Athletes, like students, benefit from positive reinforcement, but recreating peak performances is often difficult under pressure.
• 👍 Sports psychologists recommend a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative feedback, fostering better relationships and enjoyment in sports.
• 🎁 Extrinsic rewards come from external sources like teachers, while intrinsic rewards are internal, driven by personal growth and self-motivation.
• 🔄 Reinforcement should be frequent and timely during the early stages of learning to ensure that correct behaviors are reinforced.
• 🌊 The flow state, a high-performance zone, is achieved when skills and challenges are high, fostering optimal focus and performance.

Q & A

What is reinforcement in the context of motivation?

Reinforcement is the use of rewards and punishments to increase or decrease the likelihood of a similar response occurring in the future, enhancing motivation through motivational techniques that create an environment fostering pleasure, growth, and mastery.

Who is BF Skinner and what is his contribution to reinforcement theories?

BF Skinner is a widely known behavioral theorist who suggested that teaching or coaching rests on the principles of reinforcement. He believed that students learn based on an arrangement of reinforcement, which can expedite learning and ensure the appearance of desired behaviors.

What are the two basic underlying principles of reinforcement?

The two basic underlying principles of reinforcement are: 1) If someone experiences success or reward, they will try to repeat that behavior to receive additional positive experiences. 2) If someone experiences punishment or something unpleasant, they will try not to repeat that behavior.

How can reinforcement principles affect two people differently?

Reinforcement principles can affect two people differently because individuals react differently to the same reinforcement. Some may take an action as punishment while others may view it as attention or recognition.

What is the positive approach to teaching and coaching?

The positive approach to teaching and coaching involves strengthening behaviors by motivating and rewarding appropriate behaviors, which increases the likelihood of desirable responses occurring in the future.

What is the negative approach to teaching and coaching?

The negative approach to teaching and coaching attempts to eliminate unwanted behaviors through punishment or criticism by focusing on punishing undesirable behaviors, which should reduce inappropriate behaviors.

How does the Simpsons TV show illustrate negative and positive reinforcement?

In the Simpsons, negative reinforcement is shown when Marge, Bart, and Lisa criticize Homer's cooking, prompting him to throw away the food and rejoin the family. Positive reinforcement is illustrated when Bart receives a good grade and is rewarded with a gift for his positive behavior.

Why is a predominantly positive approach recommended in coaching?

A predominantly positive approach is recommended in coaching because it avoids the potential negative side effects of using punishment as the primary approach. Research indicates that individuals who play for positive-oriented coaches enjoy their athletic experience more and have better team cohesion.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards?

Extrinsic rewards come from an external source, such as a course or a teacher. Intrinsic rewards reside within the participant and are motivated by internal factors like personal satisfaction or a sense of achievement.

What is the importance of intrinsic motivation in learning?

Intrinsic motivation is important because it drives individuals from an inward factor to become more competent and self-determined. It is considered the ideal motivational resource as it promotes learning, effort, and improvement without reliance on external rewards.

How can flow be facilitated in physical activity or sports?

Flow can be facilitated by maximizing preparation for the event, increasing skills, and having high challenges. It is a state of complete absorption where the individual is fully involved in the activity, has clear goals, and experiences a loss of self-consciousness.