Reforçador

Reforçador is a term used in operant conditioning to describe any event or stimulus that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. In essence, it makes a behavior stronger or more probable. Reforçadores are fundamental to understanding how learning occurs through consequences.

There are two main types of reforçadores: positive and negative. Positive reforçadores are stimuli that are added after a behavior, making the behavior more likely to repeat. Examples include praise, a treat, or a reward. Negative reforçadores, on the other hand, are stimuli that are removed after a behavior, which also increases the likelihood of the behavior repeating. An example is when a nagging sensation stops after a task is completed.

The effectiveness of a reforçador depends on several factors, including its immediacy, contingency (that it consistently follows the behavior), and the individual's motivation. What serves as a reforçador for one person or animal may not for another. Understanding and applying the principles of reinforcement is a key aspect of behavior analysis and is used in various fields, including education, animal training, and therapy.