Category: Theory, Terms & Abbreviations ¤
  Author: M. Shirley Chong ¤
   Title: And Still More R+, R-, P+, P- ¤

LisaSaxtn@aol.com wrote:

> I know that the definitions of this stuff always get me.  However, I believe
> the ear pinch is negative punishment.  The REMOVAL (negative) of the PUNISHER
> (ear pinch) encourages repetition of the BEHAVIOR (dumb bell holding).
> 
> A example of negative reinforcement, I think, would be eating the treat
> yourself when the dog doesn't come when called.  The REMOVAL (negative) of
> the REINFORCER (cheeseburger) discourges repetition of the BEHAVIOR (lack of
> response to cue).
> 

   Um... well... you're sorta on the right path, Lisa, but not quite
there yet.
   You're right about the positive/negative referring to adding
something or taking it away. 
   Reinforcement or punishment is defined by the subject's subsequent
actions. If a certain action on the part of the trainer leads to a
greater likelihood of the behaviour recurring on the part of the
trainee, it's reinforcement. If a certain action on the part of the
trainer leads to a lesser likelihood of the behaviour recurring on the
part of the trainee, it's punishment.
   An ear pinch, used properly, is negative reinforcement. It's
reinforcement because it leads to a greater likelihood of the behaviour
wanted (dumbell in mouth). What works is not the pinch--it's the
cessation of the pinch that makes it work. If you doubt this, try
severing the connection between dumbell in mouth and cessation of pinch
(as many novice trainers inadvertantly do). Keep on pinching AFTER the
dumbell is in the dog's mouth. I guarantee the ear pinch will NOT work
under those conditions! 
   Eating the cheeseburger that the dog could have had if the dog had
presented self in the right spot at the right time (recall, in other
words) is negative punishment. It's punishment because it decreases the
staying away behaviour. It's negative because it's the removal of the
cheeseburger that makes it work.
   It is tricky, though--negative reinforcement and positive punishment
tend to overlap. The key is the timing of the event.

M. Shirley Chong
The Well Mannered Dog
Iowa City Iowa
eithne@avalon.net