Positive and Aversive (negative) approaches to reinforcing behaviors in athletes.. Make sure you can distinguish between the following terms and be able to make application to the positive shaping of an athletes behavior. Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Aversive Control, Positive Control, Response Cost. All of these can be use to shape athletes behavior but the overuse of one or the use of these in the wrong circumstances may hinder an athletes true potential, cause them to drop out of sport or even create an anxiety prone athlete.
Based on your understanding of the different stimuli you can offer athletes, please answer the following questions;
1. Which type of stimuli do you think you use most often in your current position to influence appropriate behavior in your coaching, teaching or administration? Why do you use this type and/or provide an example.
2. Based on your current knowledge, please explain when you think it is best or most appropriate to use aversive control. Please use an example in order to clarify your answer.
3. Explain why Response Cost (That’ll cost you) form of punishment is better in shaping behavior than aversive control?
4. Using appropriate stimuli to shape behavior is vital to the development of an athlete. That stimulus along with positive reinforcement has demonstrated extremely positive results in research studies on reinforcement. This is a major factor in the development of Intrinsic Motivation. We will cover this in more detail in future sections but for now provide a brief explanation for the value of connecting reinforcement with intrinsic motivation that can made by coaches, teachers or administrators.
Sample Answer
Coaches, teachers, and administrators use various stimuli to shape athlete behavior. These stimuli can be positive or aversive, with different effects on performance, motivation, and well-being. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for creating a supportive environment.
Definitions of Key Terms
Positive Reinforcement: Adding a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. This is a form of positive control. For example, a coach praises an athlete for a great defensive play.
Negative Reinforcement: Removing an aversive stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. For example, a coach stops yelling at an athlete once they correct their mistake.
Aversive Control: Using punishment to decrease an unwanted behavior. This includes punishment (adding an aversive stimulus) and response cost (removing a desirable stimulus).
Response Cost: A form of punishment where a desirable stimulus is removed after an undesirable behavior. For example, an athlete who is late for practice loses their starting spot in the next game.
1. Which type of stimuli do you use most often?
As a coach, I would most often use positive reinforcement. I find that focusing on and celebrating the desired behaviors builds a stronger, more trusting relationship with athletes. When athletes know their effort and success will be recognized, they are more motivated to repeat those actions. For example, during a basketball practice, if an athlete makes a great pass that leads to a score, I'll immediately say, "Great vision on that pass! That's exactly what we've been working on." This not only reinforces the specific action but also encourages other players to look for similar opportunities.
2. When to use aversive control
Aversive control, specifically punishment, should be used sparingly and only when an athlete's behavior is dangerous, malicious, or a significant threat to the team's integrity. It is best used as a last resort, when other methods have failed, and the behavior must be immediately stopped. An example would be if an athlete intentionally and maliciously injures an opponent. In this situation, a coach might use aversive control by immediately removing the athlete from the game and issuing a suspension. This sends a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.