10/22/2026
What does the "negative" in negative reinforcement mean?
It means minus. As in math.
Not bad, as in adverse or unfavourable.
I'm wondering if perhaps the reason why "negative reinforcement" is the most misunderstood concept in the whole field of Psychology is because people assume that "negative" must mean "bad". After all, that's what it means in almost every other conversation except when discussing animal training.
Let's look at an example.
You sit down in a car and turn the ignition on, and the "fasten seat-belt" sound starts.
After a few seconds, you fasten your seat belt, and the sound stops.
Fastening your seat-belt was just negatively reinforced. Reinforced, because you'll likely do it again (and maybe even sooner) the next time you sit down in this car and turn the ignition.
And negative, because your behaviour made that sound go away.
NOT because the sound was annoying.
(and yes, the "positive" in "positive reinforcement" means added, not good)
(and yes, negative reinforcement is potentially hugely problematic, because the thing being removed is something that was aversive to the animal – but that’s a discussion for another day)
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This topic is covered in the Operant Conditioning module of the course Getting Behaviour – the Foundations of Animal Training.
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