The effects of extinction on positive and negative reinforcement

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 6/1/2023] A controversial topic in Applied Behavior Analysis is whether there needs to be a distinction between positive and negative reinforcement. Some researchers argue there is no need for the distinction because the overall effect of the behavior change is the same for both concepts (i.e., increases the future likelihood of the behavior). However, others believe there is a fundamental difference between positive and negative reinforcement. Further research is needed to determine if there is a difference between the two. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of extinction on positive and negative reinforcement with college students. The results indicate that the effects of extinction were slightly different for positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement regarding the overall rate of responding across conditions for some individuals.Includes bibliographical references