Frigo, Lenore wrote:
If strict behaviorists won't use the term reward because it implies happiness or satisfaction, then why do they use the term punishment, which seems to me, to imply unhappiness or dissatisfaction?
I don't know any strict behaviorists who won't use the term for the above reason. I do know many behaviorists that distinguish between reward and reinforcement.
Use of the term reinforcement requires identification of the response, as in "increase in the rate or probability of..." Reward is used when the response is not specified.
So I may reinforce study time, but I would reward Johnny for studying.
There is no distinction of this type for punishment.
Many behaviorists define reinforcement and punishment as changes in behavior, and so are comfortable with both terms.
Ken
Thanks, Lenore Frigo Shasta College Redding, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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--------------------------------------------------------------- Kenneth M. Steele, Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Professor Department of Psychology http://www.psych.appstate.edu Appalachian State University Boone, NC 28608 USA ---------------------------------------------------------------
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