Reinforcer: meaning, definitions and examples

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reinforcer

 

[riˈɪn.fɔːr.sər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

psychology term

A reinforcer is a stimulus or event that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Reinforcers can be positive, providing a pleasurable outcome, or negative, removing an unpleasant stimulus. They are fundamental concepts in behavioral psychology and learning theories.

Synonyms

incentive, reward, stimulus.

Examples of usage

  • Positive reinforcement can lead to increased motivation.
  • Children often respond well to verbal reinforcers like praise.
  • In training pets, treats serve as effective reinforcers.
  • Money acts as a strong reinforcer for work-based behaviors.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Reinforcement is a core concept in behavior psychology, describing how rewards can make a behavior happen more often.
  • There are two main types: positive reinforcement, which adds something nice, and negative reinforcement, which takes away something unpleasant.
  • B.F. Skinner, a famous psychologist, studied how reinforcement can influence learning through experiments with animals.

Education

  • In classrooms, teachers often use reinformcers, like praise or stickers, to encourage students when they do well.
  • Reinforcers can be intrinsic (like feeling proud) or extrinsic (like earning points for a reward).
  • Using effective reinforcers can lead to improved motivation and engagement in students.

Animal Training

  • Trainers use both positive and negative reinforcers to teach animals tricks and behaviors.
  • Treats given to dogs for performing a trick is a positive reinforcement technique for learning.
  • Clicks in clicker training serve as reinforcers to mark when an animal does something right.

Behavioral Economics

  • Markets can behave similarly to reinforcers; positive feedback can lead to repeated actions by consumers.
  • Rewards and incentives play a significant role in shaping buying behaviors and loyalty programs.
  • Understanding how reinforcers work helps businesses design better strategies to engage customers.

Social Interactions

  • Reinforcers are present in friendships; compliments and support can strengthen bonds.
  • People often behave positively towards those who provide emotional reinforcers, fostering better relationships.
  • Social reinforcers like attention or affection can motivate individuals to act in ways that align with group norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "reinforcer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reforçador

🇮🇳 मजबूत करने वाला

🇩🇪 Verstärker

🇮🇩 penguat

🇺🇦 підкріплювач

🇵🇱 wzmacniacz

🇯🇵 強化子

🇫🇷 renforçateur

🇪🇸 reforzador

🇹🇷 güçlendirici

🇰🇷 강화제

🇸🇦 معزز

🇨🇿 posilovač

🇸🇰 posilňovač

🇨🇳 增强器

🇸🇮 okrepitev

🇮🇸 styrkari

🇰🇿 күшейткіш

🇬🇪 გამაძლიერებელი

🇦🇿 gücləndirici

🇲🇽 reforzador

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,151, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.