Reinforcing stimuli, commonly referred to as reinforcers, are events that take place after a behavior that increases the probability that a behavior will occur in the future. There are two types: primary reinforcers and secondary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers are naturally or intrinsically valued rewards, like desired food items. Secondary reinforcers are learned rewards like a token system, a tickle, or a high five. Secondary reinforcers are generally preferred by parents because they help broaden your child's interests and they can take the place of primary reinforcers (so you can empty those M & M's out of your pockets).
Primary and secondary reinforcing stimuli are examples of positive reinforcement, presenting positive events that increase the probability of the preferred behavior (like we discussed above). There is also negative reinforcement, which is the removal of aversive events after a behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will re-occur (huh?). In English, this means that when the child uses appropriate language or behavior, the thing that is bothering them stops. A desired behavior results in the removal of a less desirable behavior. For example, if a bell rings and it bothers your child, he can ask, "Please turn that off," resulting in the bell stopping (the desired result). Ask your Sport-Social instructor how they are using reinforcement with your child!
