One main difference between bribery and reinforcement is the
a) items provided
b) timing of the item provided
c) effectiveness of both
d) results of both.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b) timing of the item provided.
Explanation:
Bribery and reinforcement are both strategies that involve offering an item or reward to encourage a specific behavior, but they differ in their timing and underlying purpose.
- Timing of the Item Provided:
- Bribery typically occurs before a desired behavior is performed. It involves offering a reward or incentive in advance, with the expectation that the person will then complete the behavior. For example, telling a child, “If you clean your room, I’ll give you a candy,” is an example of bribery, as the reward is promised before the action is completed.
- Reinforcement, on the other hand, involves providing a reward after the desired behavior has been performed. The goal is to strengthen or increase the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future. For instance, giving a child a candy after they clean their room is positive reinforcement, as the reward comes after the behavior has occurred.
- Purpose and Effectiveness:
- Bribery is generally seen as less effective because it creates an expectation of reward before the behavior takes place, which can result in a lack of genuine motivation. People might engage in the behavior solely for the reward, and once the reward is removed, the behavior may not continue.
- Reinforcement, especially when used consistently and appropriately, is effective for long-term behavior change. Positive reinforcement encourages the repetition of desired behaviors because the individual associates the behavior with a positive outcome.
- Results of Both:
- Bribery can create a cycle of transactional behavior, where individuals only perform tasks for rewards, often leading to an unreliable pattern of behavior.
- Reinforcement, however, is more likely to lead to internal motivation, as the person learns to associate the behavior with positive outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of the value of the behavior itself.
In summary, the main difference lies in timing—bribery occurs before the behavior, while reinforcement is given after the behavior is completed.