what is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement are two concepts in psychology that are used to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. They are part of the theory of operant conditioning, which is a method of learning through rewards and punishments.<br /><br />Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior. In other words, a positive reinforcer is a reward that strengthens a behavior. For example, if a teacher gives a student praise or a sticker for completing their homework, the student is more likely to continue completing their homework in the future because they associate the behavior with a positive outcome.<br /><br />Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior. A negative reinforcer is a punishment that weakens a behavior. For example, if a child is scolded for talking during class, they are less likely to talk during class in the future because they associate the behavior with a negative outcome.<br /><br />In summary, positive reinforcement adds a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement removes an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior. Both methods are used to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again, but they differ in the type of stimulus that is added or removed.