Differences Between Positive And Negative Validation
Reinforcement is a good method of teaching and practice aimed at correcting a child’s behavior. This technique focuses on reinforcing the desired pattern of behavior, i.e., it encourages the child to behave more often in the desired manner. Conversely, it helps prevent unwanted and inappropriate use. In order to make proper use of this psychopedagogical resource, it is important to know what the differences are between positive and negative reinforcement.
This method of behavior modification is based on the theory of instrumental conditioning by psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner. According to Skinner, human behavior is determined by the consequences of the action. If the action results in a prize, the action is more likely to be repeated. Activities that cause negative consequences are unlikely to be repeated by humans.
Differences between positive and negative reinforcement
In the associative learning process, a cause-and-effect relationship is formed between behavior and stimulus. This is very useful information when you want to modify or change a child’s behavior in an appropriate way.
One way to take advantage of this learning process is to use the method of positive and negative reinforcement. Next, we discuss the differences between these two behavior-modifying methods.
Positive confirmation
In positive affirmation, the child’s good behavior is immediately rewarded with a prize. This means that when a child is behaving well, it is important to reward the child immediately. As a result, it is likely that the child will repeat that behavior in the future.
Rewards that can be used for positive reinforcement include:
- Praise and compliments
- Hugs
- Kisses
- Ironing
- Giving attention to the child
- Stickers
- Stamps
- Certain privileges
- Recognition of good behavior and positive comments
- Dainties
- Excursions, trips, special activities
- Collecting points to get a physical reward, such as a toy
Negative confirmation
Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus to make the child more likely to repeat the desired behavior. Just as with positive reinforcement, here too, reinforcement should occur immediately when the child behaves as desired.
Some of the negative stimuli that are removed to change a child’s behavior are:
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Criticism
- Penalties
- Reprimands
Benefits of positive and negative reinforcement
Both positive and negative reinforcement are very effective and beneficial for a child’s development, as these teaching methods focus on stimulation as well as the promotion of good habits. In this case, the need to punish misconduct is reduced or eliminated.
By reinforcing your child’s unwanted behaviors, you are also preventing the occurrence of unwanted behaviors. In this way, the child learns that good behavior results in personal satisfaction.
In addition to this, reinforcement also provides the following benefits to the child:
- Increases motivation to do things right.
- Improves the child’s self-esteem and self-perception
- Encourages positive communication
- Promotes healthy and balanced social relationships
- Promotes receptivity
- Helps the child understand the importance of good behavior
Whether it’s positive or negative reinforcement, it’s important to explain to the child why his or her behavior was rewarded. In other words, the child needs to understand which behaviors or activities led to the reward. In this way, the child will understand and embrace the cause-and-effect relationship in any situation.
