Bribery vs. Reinforcement

What does reinforcement mean?

• The process of strengthening a behavior; increases the future frequency of that behavior occurring again

• The act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value (i.e., money, gifts, favors, etc.) in exchange for influence or action in one's favor

• The process of weakening a behavior; decreases the future frequency of that behavior occurring again

• Both A and B

____ involves offering rewards or incentives to manipulate or coerce someone into complying with demands or expectations, regardless of whether the behavior is desirable or appropriate.

How do you determine when to use reinforcement versus bribery in guiding your child's behavior?

• Nature of the behavior (what are we trying to encourage - a positive behavior or compliance?)

• Long-term goals (& intrinsic motivation)

• Consistency and clarity (say what you mean, mean what you say)

• All of the above

How do you foster intrinsic motivation in your child while still using reinforcement to shape behavior?

• Model intrinsic motivation (lead by example)

• Promote interest and curiosity

• Focus on autonomy (work together!)

• All of the above

Which one relies on extrinsic motivation?

• Reinforcement

• Bribery

Answer explanation

Bribery relies on extrinsic motivation by offering external rewards to induce compliance with specific demands or expectations.

____ promotes sustainable behavior change due to consistency over time. Through this repetition, desired behaviors become habits, leading to lasting changes in behavior even in the absence of external rewards.

• Bribery

• Praise

• Reinforcement

• Shaping

True or False: With bribery, individuals may comply with demands or expectations solely to obtain rewards and without developing a genuine understanding or appreciation for the underlying values.

• True

• False

Is it OKAY to use bribery with your child?

• Of course, you are only human!

• No, you must never bribe your child or there will always be negative outcomes.

What role does communication play in distinguishing between reinforcement and bribery?

• It is important to set very clear expectations and to follow through.

• Communication is not as important, as long as you are following through with the consequences.

• It is important to ask your child what they want to work for but if it's something unreasonable you can decide what the reinforcer will be yourself.

• Communication is transparent and honest; collaboration is encouraged

From the list provided, what is one consequent-based strategy you can use for escape-maintained behaviors?

• Escape extinction

• Planned ignoring

• Consistently remind the child of what they are earning

• Time-out