Contextual Determinants of Reinforcement: A Motivational Analysis

In this article, we address how variables functioning as motivating operations differentially impact distinct reinforcement and punishment processes. This conceptual analysis suggests an inherent asymmetry in motivational effects between positive and negative reinforcement processes. Although establ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBehavioral development bulletin (Philadelphia, Pa.) Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 18 - 28
Main Authors Valdovinos, Maria G., Kennedy, Craig H.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Educational Publishing Foundation 01.04.2019
Subjects
Human
Motivation
Negative Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement
Punishment
Reinforcement
motivating operations
punishment
reinforcement
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Summary:In this article, we address how variables functioning as motivating operations differentially impact distinct reinforcement and punishment processes. This conceptual analysis suggests an inherent asymmetry in motivational effects between positive and negative reinforcement processes. Although establishing operations increase the effectiveness of both positive and negative reinforcers, abolishing operations appear to have an asymmetrical effect on positive reinforcers only. After describing this potential asymmetry in motivational effects for abolishing operations, we note some theoretical implications of this observation.
ISSN:1942-0722
1942-0722
DOI:10.1037/bdb0000084