The Power of Reinforcement, livre ebook

Makes the controversial argument that reinforcement is a real and valuable force in human behavior.

Makes the controversial argument that reinforcement is a real and valuable force in human behavior.

2004 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title

According to Stephen Ray Flora, reinforcement is a very powerful tool for improving the human condition despite often being dismissed as regarding people as less than human and as "overly simplistic." This book addresses and defends the use of reinforcement principles against a wide variety of attacks. Countering the myths, criticisms, and misrepresentations of reinforcement, including false claims that reinforcement is "rat psychology," the author shows that building reinforcement theory on basic laboratory research is a strength, not a weakness, and allows unlimited applications to human situations as it promotes well-being and productivity. Also examined are reinforcement contingencies, planned or accidental, as they shape behavioral patterns and repertoires in a positive way.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: Myths and Misrepresentations of Reinforcement
1. Reinforcement as "Rat Psychology"
2. Insults and Mischievous Misrepresentations: M&Ms for the Retarded
3. Carrot-and-Stick Control, Bribery, and Value
4. The Myth that "Extrinsic Rewards Undermine Intrinsic Interest"
5. The Reality of Extrinsic Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation
6. Reinforcement Crushes Creativity
7. Reinforcement Creates Creativity
8. The Myth that Imitation and Instruction Following Invalidate Reinforcement Theory
Part II: For Better or Worse. In Sickness and in Health: Reinforcement in Action
9. Reinforcement of Achievement and Underachievement
10. Reinforcement in Education
11. Reinforcement in Drug Use, Abuse, and Treatment
12. Reinforcement and Crime, Misconduct, and Correction
13. Reinforcement in the Cause, Course, and Correction of Depression, Chronic Pain, and Illness
References
Appendix 1. The Selection of Behavior
Appendix 2. Basic Terms
Name Index
Subject Index