Free Essay About Differential Reinforcement/Shaping Exemplar

1. Define the concept:
Differential reinforcement refers to the reinforcement individuals apply to the management of behaviors of others, with the goals of maximizing occurrence of desirable behaviors. Differential reinforcement occurs through the dissemination of rewards to individuals who behave desirably. This type of reinforcement aims to encourage individuals to keep their good behaviors, and discard the negative ones. Differential reinforcement learnings and realizations among individuals of acceptable (appropriate) and unacceptable (inappropriate) behaviors in societies. Individuals learn certain consequences of their positive and negative actions when reinforcement is in effect. In the end, individuals learn to avoid actions, which may not benefit and reinforce them.
2. Provide an example of the concept:
Dina does not prioritize her academic work at school. I will implement the differential reinforcement in this situation. Dina may receive options for rewards upon focusing on her studies. The rewards that Dina will receive are the reinforcements of the occurrence of desirable behaviors. Rewards may include extra shopping and dine-out privileges with friends, getting a new car, among others. Dina begins to realize over time that prioritizing her academic work helps her become successful in her career and life itself in the years to come. She begins to appreciate the rewards she gets from studying hard. She also begins to appreciate the privilege of being able to attend school.
3. Apply the definition (step 1) to your example (step 2):
Differential reinforcements in the forms of rewards enable parents to disseminate better discipline tactics to Dina. I feel that differential reinforcement tremendously helps in disciplining Dina. Adolescents are usually stubborn and difficult to discipline. Compromises in the forms of rewards definitely help in the process. Moreover, differential reinforcements enable Dina and her parents to reach objective compromises favorable to parties involved, one way and another. Differential reinforcement prevents quarrels and disagreements to escalate through the implementation of fair and sound agreements between Dina and her parents.