In the final episode of our Pearls of Wisdom Series, ADI's Judy Agnew explains the latest pearl, "If you give somebody something for nothing, you make them good for nothing."
Transcript: When people first learn about positive reinforcement they sometimes mistake it for being nice...giving away goodies or the much-maligned everyone gets a trophy that's common in kids sports. While such giveaways may generate goodwill they won't strengthen important behaviors. Think of a child who promises to do chores if he gets an allowance. If week after week he does no chores but still gets an allowance the chores aren't ever going to get done. As Aubrey says, "If you give somebody something for nothing you make them good for nothing." Positive reinforcement must be earned. While it's good to be nice to people your reinforcing comments or tangible reinforcers should only be delivered after a desired behavior That's the only way to ensure the desired behavior continues. And remember, you're reinforcing behavior every day whether you're aware of it or not. So make sure you're deliberate about what you reinforce and make that reinforcement contingent on desired behaviors. That's the only way to avoid making someone good for nothing.
