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Positive and negative reinforcement effects on behavior in a three-person microsociety
H H Emurian1, C S Emurian, J V Brady
1Spacelife Technology, Ltd., Baltimore, USA.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Behavioral programming in groups showed reinforcement schedules did not impact work performance but influenced aggressive verbal responses. Group dynamics and reinforcement types affected behavior, not task completion.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Environmental Psychology
Background:
- Group behavior and reinforcement schedules are key in understanding human interaction.
- Programmed environments allow for controlled study of behavioral responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of positive reinforcement and avoidance learning on group behavior.
- To analyze differences in aggressive verbal responses across varied reinforcement conditions.
Main Methods:
- Three-person groups (male/female) lived in a programmed environment for 6-12 days.
- Subjects engaged in activities under positive reinforcement (earning money) and avoidance (preventing loss) schedules.
- Aggressive verbal responses were measured during avoidance days.
Main Results:
- Reinforcement schedules did not significantly alter work unit performance.
- Aggressive verbal responses varied in magnitude among groups during avoidance conditions.
- Two subjects showed reduced productivity or ceased working during avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcement schedules primarily influenced aggressive verbal behavior, not task performance.
- Group dynamics and environmental programming can modulate specific behavioral outputs.
- Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of such programmed environments.