reforçadoras

Reinforcers are stimuli that, when presented immediately after a behavior, increase the probability of that behavior occurring again in the future. This concept is fundamental to the principles of operant conditioning, a learning theory developed by B.F. Skinner. The effect of a reinforcer is to strengthen the behavior it follows.

There are two main types of reinforcers: positive and negative. Positive reinforcers are stimuli that are added or presented following a behavior, making the behavior more likely to recur. Examples include praise, a treat, or a desired toy. Negative reinforcers, on the other hand, are stimuli that are removed or avoided following a behavior, also increasing the likelihood of that behavior. This might involve turning off an annoying alarm or escaping an unpleasant task. It is important to distinguish negative reinforcement from punishment, which decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

The effectiveness of a reinforcer can depend on several factors, including its immediacy, the individual's deprivation or satiation with the reinforcer, and the contingency between the behavior and the reinforcer. Reinforcement can be delivered on various schedules, such as continuous reinforcement (every instance of the behavior is reinforced) or intermittent reinforcement (only some instances are reinforced), each with different effects on response rate and resistance to extinction. Understanding reinforcers is crucial in various fields, including education, animal training, and behavior modification therapy.