Providing feedback & reinforcement

are key strategies for building motivation

Behavior Modification

Applying principles of + or – reinforcement to help produce desirable behaviors & eliminate undesirable ones; Means of structuring performance environment through reinforcement

Reinforcement

Key to behavior change; Any stimulus, event, or condition whose presentation immediately follows a response & increases frequency of that response; Could be tangible reward (trophy, medal) or intangible reward (praise from coach); Helps performers stay task-oriented & motivated

Positive Reinforcement

Occurs when behaviors are reinforced through provision of something positive (praise or rewards)

Negative Reinforcement

Occurs when behaviors are strengthened by eliminating something negative

Punishment

Aversive condition that follows a behavior & decreases strength/ likelihood of behavior continuing; Can occur through presentation of something negative or through withdrawal of something positive

Reinforcement definition summary

PRESENTING SOMETHING + OR TAKING AWAY SOMETHING - TO INCREASE LIKELIHOOD OF BEHAVIOR OCCURRING

Punishment definition summary

PRESENTING SOMETHING – OR TAKING AWAY SOMETHING + TO DECREASE LIKELIHOOD OF BEHAVIOR OCCURRING

Specify target behavior

Clearly defined; Easily measured; Focus on behavior to actively work toward rather than behavior to avoid

Develop trusting relationship

Use reinforcement 80-90% of time; Use punishment 10-20% of time

Guidelines for Effective Use of Reinforcement

Reinforce immediately; Maintain consistency; Reinforce effort & behavior (not just outcome); Frequent & consistent reinforcement important early; Occasional/intermittent reinforcement important after skill/behavior learned; Reward emotional & social skills; Provide specific feedback linked to performance behavior; Don’t make it personal (focus on behavior, not individual)

Guidelines for Effective Use of Punishment

Be consistent; Punish behavior, not individual; Don’t use physical activity as punishment; Don’t embarrass through punishment; Use sparingly

Athletes with positive-oriented coaches

Athletes who play for positive-oriented coaches like teammates better, enjoy athletic experience more, like coaches more, and experience greater team cohesion

Excessive punishment effects

Excessive/improper use of punishment arouses fear of failure, not motivation for success; Excessive/improper use of punishment can create aversive learning environment

Extrinsic rewards finding

Emphasis on extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation

Effective reinforcement finding

Effective use of reinforcement helps improve performance, generate successful experiences, and build intrinsic motivation