Ch 6 Feedback Reinforcement and Intrinsic Motivation

Summary

This script explores the concept of reinforcement and motivation, particularly within the context of teaching and coaching. It delves into the theories of behavior modification, focusing on positive and negative reinforcement strategies to shape desired behaviors. Highlighting B.F. Skinner's principles, it discusses how rewards and punishments influence learning, both extrinsically and intrinsically. The script also addresses motivational theories like cognitive evaluation and self-determination, emphasizing the role of flow state in optimal performance. Practical applications in sports and education underscore the importance of positive reinforcement to foster growth and mastery.

Takeaways

• 🔄 Reinforcement uses rewards and punishment to shape behavior by increasing or decreasing the likelihood of future actions.
• 🌱 Motivation is enhanced when the environment fosters growth, mastery, and pleasure through positive reinforcement techniques.
• 📚 B.F. Skinner's theory of reinforcement suggests that arranging reinforcement expedites learning and strengthens desired behaviors.
• ⚖️ Positive reinforcement encourages repeated desirable behaviors, while negative reinforcement attempts to reduce unwanted behaviors.
• 🎯 Reinforcement impacts individuals differently, as the same action may be seen as positive by one person and negative by another.
• 🏆 Positive reinforcement focuses on rewards, while negative reinforcement focuses on punishment and error correction.
• 🚫 Punishment, if not applied carefully, can have unintended consequences such as arousing fear of failure or reinforcing unwanted behavior.
• 🌟 Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual and can be fostered by creating environments focused on learning, improvement, and mastery rather than just outcomes.
• 💡 Cognitive Evaluation Theory explains how people perceive rewards, which influences their motivation and behavior.
• 🌊 Flow state occurs when an individual's skills and challenges are balanced, allowing them to perform optimally and feel absorbed in the activity.

Q & A

What is reinforcement, and how does it influence behavior?

Reinforcement is the use of rewards or punishment to increase or decrease the likelihood of a specific response occurring in the future. It shapes behavior by either encouraging positive actions through rewards or discouraging undesirable actions through punishment.

Who is B.F. Skinner, and what did he contribute to the theory of reinforcement?

B.F. Skinner is a prominent behavioral theorist who contributed to the theory of behavior modification and operant conditioning. He suggested that learning is facilitated by reinforcement, which speeds up behavior acquisition and ensures the appearance of desired behaviors.

What are the two basic principles of reinforcement?

The two basic principles are: 1) Success or reward increases the likelihood of repeating a behavior to gain more positive experiences. 2) Punishment or negative experiences decrease the likelihood of repeating a behavior to avoid unpleasant outcomes.

How does reinforcement affect different individuals?

Reinforcement affects individuals differently. For example, a punishment such as a lower grade for late work may motivate one person to improve, while another might perceive it as attention and not change their behavior.

What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement strengthens behavior by rewarding desirable actions, making them more likely to occur in the future. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, tries to eliminate unwanted behaviors through punishment or criticism.

Why is a positive approach to reinforcement preferred in sports and coaching?

A positive approach is recommended because it leads to better team cohesion, higher satisfaction among athletes, and a more enjoyable environment. Coaches who use predominantly positive feedback foster better relationships and motivate athletes more effectively.

What is intrinsic motivation, and why is it important?

Intrinsic motivation is the drive that comes from within an individual to be competent and self-determined. It is important because it fosters long-term engagement, personal growth, and a deeper sense of satisfaction from participating in activities without external rewards.

What are the key elements of the flow state, and how does it affect performance?

Flow is a state where individuals are fully absorbed in an activity, achieving optimal performance. Key elements include a balance of challenge and skills, clear goals, total concentration, a sense of control, and effortless movement. Flow enhances performance by keeping individuals focused and motivated.

What is shaping, and how does it help in skill development?

Shaping is the process of reinforcing small improvements as an individual learns a skill. By rewarding successive approximations of the desired behavior, it encourages continuous progress and helps the individual eventually master the skill.

What potential negative effects can punishment have in a coaching environment?

Punishment can lead to undesirable side effects such as fear of failure, reinforcing the unwanted behavior, producing shame, and hindering skill learning. It may also be misinterpreted as attention, which can diminish its effectiveness.