When speaking of reinforcers, the words "positive" and "negative" can be thought of as "good" and "bad."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The terms "positive" and "negative" in the context of reinforcement refer to the addition or subtraction of a stimulus, and do not necessarily indicate whether it is "good" or "bad." A positive reinforcer adds something desirable, while a negative reinforcer removes something aversive. Similarly, a positive punisher adds something aversive, while a negative punisher removes something desirable. These terms are value-neutral and do not imply any judgment about the reinforcement being "good" or "bad."

When Speaking of Reinforcers, the Words "Positive" and "Negative" Can