What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

There are two types of reinforcement - positive and negative. Both work to increase the likelihood of a behaviour happening in the future. Positive reinforcement is where you reward a behaviour with something pleasant i.e. a parent giving their child £5 (reinforcing stimulus) for doing their homework (behaviour). Negative reinforcement is where a negative stimulus is removed once a behaviour is exhibited i.e. making your bed (behaviour) to stop your parent telling you off (negative stimulus).

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Give advantages of using a laboratory experiment


Give one difference between the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system


Critically evaluate research into Eye-witness testimony


Describe the attachment study carried out by Lorenz


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences