I have recently developed an interest in psychology

[KayBee]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie to this site    I never knew there were so many forums out there! I have recently started looking at psychology more closely, and am studying for short periods every day. As I have just started, I am grappling with some of the basics. For example, I am confused by the term "negative reinforcement". Anyone got any ideas please?! Many thanks!

[SWM]

hi, kaybee, welcometo the forums.
the concept of negative reinforcement comes from behavioural psychology. in operant conditioning see (B.F.Skinner) reinforcement of a behavior is when the occurence of a behaviour or response is increased due to something that is presented or applied to the subject. the stimulus can be both positive and negative, i.e. a reward or treat, some form of shock or pain, an annoying sound.

positive reinforcement occurs when a stimulus is given to the subject to ilicit a reponse.
an example of positive reinforcement is giving a dog a treat when they sit on command. the dog learn if is it when i hear the word sit then i get a treat.

negative reinforcment is achieved by the removal of stimulus, the removal of a negative stimulus.
an example of negative reinforcement would be a child that cries when it needs feeding. when the child cries the mother gives the child food. the child gets fed. the child learns that crying gets food. negtive reinforcment.

this example of negative reinforcment works for both the child and the mother as mother also learns that giving the child food stops the crying.

i think that is how it goes.

[KayBee]

thankyou for that Stan! It will take me a little time to get my head round it, but it is starting to make more sense!

[SWM]

your welcome,

are you interested in behaviourism?

[ellion]

If you are getting interested in Behavioural Psychology I would recommend you read B.F. SKinner, beyond good and evil. this is a very good read it is not text book more of a philosphical ramble about the use of behaviorism and the morals and ethics of using those principles to create a perfect society.

[KayBee]

thankyou, Ellion and Stan! I haven't really got that far right now, but it does sound very interesting  I shall post again soon with more queries, I'm sure!

[Grandevil]

Psychology in layman's terms:

Negative means that something is taken away (or in the case of symptoms that something is missing or absent).

Positive means that something is added (or that something present that shouldn't be in the case of symptoms).