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ERIC Number: EJ752396
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0738-6729
EISSN: N/A
The Distinction between Positive and Negative Reinforcement: Use with Care
Baron, A.; Galizio, M.
Behavior Analyst, v29 n1 p141-151 Spr 2006
It is customary in behavior analysis to distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement in terms of whether the reinforcing event involves onset or offset of a stimulus. In a previous article (Baron & Galizio, 2005), we concluded that a distinction of these terms is not only ambiguous but has little if any functional significance. Here, we respond to commentaries by a group of distinguished behavior analysts about the issues we raised. Although several of the commentators argued for preservation of the distinction, we remain unconvinced that its benefits outweigh its weaknesses. Because this distinction is so deeply embedded in the language of behavior analysis, we hardly expect that it will be abandoned. However, we hope that the terms "positive" and "negative reinforcement" will be used with circumspection and with full knowledge of the confusion they can engender.
Association for Behavior Analysis International. 1219 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Tel: 269-492-9310; Fax: 269-492-9316; e-mail: mail@abainternational.org; Web site: http://www.abainternational.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A