Answer to Question #197652 in Management for ayush

Question

Why is reinforcement theory also called as behavior modification theory

Answer 1

Reinforcement Theory of motivation aims at achieving the desired level of motivation among the employees by means of reinforcement, punishment and extinction. Reinforcement approach, which can be both positive and negative, is used to reinforce the desired behavior. Punishment acts as a deterrent to undesirable behaviors of the employees. Extinction refers to diminishing the probability of undesirable behavior.

It is referred to as behaviour modification theory as it causes a change in a person's behaviour after a response.

• The theory uses reinforcement, punishment, and possible elimination to typically achieve the desired degree of motivation among individuals
• To promote the desired behaviour, this strategy is adopted, which can be both positive and negative.
• For example - If a child loves candy and the desired activity to get it is cleaning the room, the candy serves as a positive reinforcer because it is provided when the behaviour occurs.
• It claims consequences have an effect on actions. Consequences that provide incentives encourage a specific action, while consequences that provide punishment discourage it.