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QuickSilver · 07-03-2009, 12:15 PM

Thank you.

I had a slightly different understanding of those terms. The distinction between a reinforcer and a punishment I'm with you. I believe a negative reinforcer is something that the animal wants to stop and produces the desired behavior - so a horse's bit is a negative reinforcer, because the horse turns its head to relieve the pressure in its mouth.

I believe punishments come after the act also. So, I THINK taking food out of Thor's mouth is a "positive punishment" - I am adding an unpleasant experience to reduce his desire to run away and eat his find.

I think. I've never been completely clear on the terminology.

07-03-2009, 12:15 PM	#10
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 2,980 Blog Entries: 21	Thank you. I had a slightly different understanding of those terms. The distinction between a reinforcer and a punishment I'm with you. I believe a negative reinforcer is something that the animal wants to stop and produces the desired behavior - so a horse's bit is a negative reinforcer, because the horse turns its head to relieve the pressure in its mouth. I believe punishments come after the act also. So, I THINK taking food out of Thor's mouth is a "positive punishment" - I am adding an unpleasant experience to reduce his desire to run away and eat his find. I think. I've never been completely clear on the terminology.