Reinforcement Theory
What is Reinforcement Theory?
Reinforcement theory is a key principle in behaviorism and is tied to B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning. This theory states that a behavior can be encouraged or discouraged by the consequences that follow it. For example, If we want to increase a certain behavior we would reinforce it through offering rewards.
The Basic Idea
Do you remember back in elementary school when you received stickers and smiley faces on your worksheets? Or maybe you were occasionally chosen for the esteemed position of “class monitor.” It always made you feel a warm glow like you were doing something right. On the other hand, the feeling of receiving a timeout or sitting in for recess was soul-crushing.
These various rewards and punishments are all examples of reinforcement theory at work. Though we can remember examples from elementary school, reinforcement theory still influences our daily lives.
Put simply, reinforcement theory suggests that a behavior can be strengthened when good events or positive consequences follow and reduced when undesirable events or negative consequences follow. The theory rests on the idea that human behavior (and animal behavior, more broadly) is influenced by what happens as a consequence. For instance, when action A results in a desirable outcome, one is more likely to do action A; when action B results in an unpleasant outcome, one is less likely to do action B. You’re more likely to study for your spelling test after getting your teacher’s praise; you’re less likely to pull your friend’s hair after getting a stern lecture.
Reinforcement theory and operant conditioning
Reinforcement theory stands alone but is also part of a larger framework—B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning.
Reinforcement encourages a behavior, while punishment aims to reduce it. Reinforcement can be positive or negative: positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus (e.g., buying yourself a treat after successfully completing your first week without smoking), while negative reinforcement removes an undesirable stimulus (e.g., reducing chores when a child earns good grades). Punishment has two forms: positive punishment adds an unpleasant consequence (e.g., adding an extra mile to your run when you’ve missed too many days in a row), and negative punishment removes something desirable (e.g., taking away recess privileges when a child misbehaves in class).
Operant conditioning has been used to explain various human and animal behaviors, including learning processes, addiction, and language acquisition.7 This method primarily concerns voluntary behaviors as it involves learning through consequences—rewards or punishments—based on individual choices. These behaviors are typically controlled by the individual, like studying to achieve good grades or attempting to quit smoking.
"I think, as much as people moan at things like award ceremonies, it gives people role models. It provides real positive reinforcement that you can be who you are and still massively achieve."
– Jack Monroe
About the Authors
Oorja Majgaonkar
Oorja is a former content creator with a passion for behavioral science. She previously created content for The Decision Lab, and her insights continue to be valuable to our readers.
Sarah Chudleigh
Sarah Chudleigh is passionate about the accessible distribution of academic research. She has had the opportunity to practice this as an organizer of TEDx conferences, editor-in-chief of her undergraduate academic journal, and lead editor at the LSE Social Policy Blog. Sarah gained a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary research during her liberal arts degree at Quest University Canada, where she specialized in political decision-making. Her current graduate research at the London School of Economics and Political Science examines the impact of national values on motivations to privately sponsor refugees, a continuation of her interest in political analysis, identity, and migration policy. On weekends, you can find Sarah gardening at her local urban farm.
