"Positive" doesn't mean "Good." "Negative" doesn't mean "Bad."

In ABA, these are math terms. Positive means Addition (+). Negative means Subtraction (-).
The most common mistake RBTs make is thinking Negative Reinforcement is punishment. It is not. Reinforcement ALWAYS increases behavior. If the behavior didn't go up, it wasn't reinforcement.

Executive Summary

This video simplifies the core mechanism of ABA: Reinforcement. It clarifies that Reinforcement is defined ONLY by its effect (does behavior increase?). It breaks down the difference between Unconditioned (born with) and Conditioned (learned) reinforcers, and explains why "Negative Reinforcement" is actually a good thing that we use every day (like seatbelt alarms).

⏱️ Video Timeline

01:07

Positive Reinforcement
Adding a stimulus after a behavior to increase it. (e.g., Giving a sticker).

02:47

Negative Reinforcement
Removing a stimulus after a behavior to increase it. (e.g., Turning off a loud alarm).

[Image of positive vs negative reinforcement diagram]

06:28

Unconditioned vs. Conditioned
Unconditioned: Food, water, warmth (No learning needed).
Conditioned: Money, tokens, praise (Learned through pairing).

🔑 Key Insights

The Golden Rule: Reinforcement ALWAYS increases future behavior. If the behavior stops, it was Punishment, not Reinforcement.

Immediacy: You must deliver the reinforcer within seconds (0-3s) for it to work.

Socially Mediated: Provided by a person (e.g., High-five).

Automatic: Provided by the action itself (e.g., Scratching an itch).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Negative Reinforcement bad?

A: No! "Negative" just means "Removal." Taking Tylenol to remove a headache is Negative Reinforcement. It's helpful!

Q: What is a Secondary Reinforcer?

A: It's another name for a Conditioned Reinforcer. Something you had to learn to like (like money or grades).

1. The Reinforcement Matrix

Memorize this grid. It answers 50% of the questions on the RBT exam.

Examples

Positive (+): Child cleans room -> Gets $5. (Money was Added).
Negative (-): Child cleans room -> Mom stops nagging. (Nagging was Removed).

2. Conditioned vs. Unconditioned

Unconditioned (Primary):
You are born wanting these. Essential for life.
Examples: Food, Water, Sleep, Warmth.

Conditioned (Secondary):
You learned to want these because they were paired with primary ones.
Examples: Tokens, Money, "Good Job!", Grades.

Exam Tip

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you care about? You wouldn't care about money (Conditioned). You would care about water (Unconditioned).

📝 Knowledge Check

Is it Positive or Negative?

Q1: A baby cries. The dad gives the baby a bottle. The baby cries more often in the future. What is this for the baby?

Answer: Positive Reinforcement.
The bottle (stimulus) was ADDED. The crying behavior INCREASED.

Q2: You put on sunglasses because the sun is hurting your eyes. The pain goes away. You are more likely to wear sunglasses next time. What is this?

Answer: Negative Reinforcement.
The pain (stimulus) was REMOVED. Your behavior (wearing glasses) INCREASED.

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