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Specialized Terminology in Operant Conditioning

In the framework of operant conditioning, several common words carry specific, technical meanings that differ from their everyday usage. The terms 'positive' and 'negative' do not denote 'good' or 'bad'; instead, 'positive' signifies the addition of a stimulus, while 'negative' refers to the removal of a stimulus. Likewise, 'reinforcement' is any consequence that functions to increase a behavior, whereas 'punishment' is any consequence that serves to decrease a behavior.

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Updated 2026-01-15

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