The Power of Reinforcement (Alternatives in Psychology) (Suny Series, Alternatives in Psychology)

by Stephen Ray Flora (Author)

6 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0791459164

ISBN-10: 0791459160

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According to Stephen Ray Flora, reinforcement is a very powerful tool for improving the human condition despite often being dismissed as regarding people as less than human and as overly simplistic. This book addresses and defends the use of reinforcement principles against a wide variety of attacks. Countering the myths, criticisms, and misrepresentations of reinforcement, including false claims that reinforcement is rat psychology, the author shows that building reinforcement theory on basic laboratory research is a strength, not a weakness, and allows unlimited applications to human situations as it promotes well-being and productivity. Also examined are reinforcement contingencies, planned or accidental, as they shape behavioral patterns and repertoires in a positive way."

The Power of Reinforcement (Alternatives in Psychology) (Suny Series, Alternatives in Psychology)

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Product Details

Series: Suny Series, Alternatives in Psychology
Paperback: 290 pages
Publisher: State University of New York Press (January 16, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0791459160
ISBN-13: 978-0791459164
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,431,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #503 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Movements > Behaviorism
- #714 in Books > Science & Math > Behavioral Sciences > Behavioral Psychology
- #2257 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching > Education Theory > Educational Psychology

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Customer Reviews

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Top Customer Reviews

ByMark T. Williamsonon April 5, 2006

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

The book description for Mr. Flora's book is one of the reasons why we as nation are still struggling to teach our children well. It is baffling that we have the key to unlocking so much human potential, yet we withhold it for fear of some shadowy determinism which we think will run our lives. Reinforcement does not limit an individual, it profides greater competency, which ultimately gives the individual more choice. I feel that everyone will gain from a reading of this book, and it should be required reading for all teachers.

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A Book of Consequence

ByPaul Chanceon February 13, 2009

Format: Paperback

Reinforcement is the most powerful concept in psychology. Understand it and you will have a much better understanding of why people (including yourself) behave as they do. You will also be able to use reinforcement to improve your dealings with others: your children, spouse, parents, coworkers, neighbors, students.

Reinforcement is derived from the law of effect, the idea that the tendency to perform a particular kind of behavior depends on the effects that behavior has had in the past. When the effects or consequences of a behavior strengthen it, we say the behavior has been reinforced.

Reinforcement may seem too simple a concept to justify an entire book, even a fairly short book such as this one. But while the basic concept of reinforcement is simple, its implementation is complicated. That is probably one reason why there are so many misconceptions about it. One of Flora's goals is to correct some of these "myths," such as the idea that reinforcement is synonymous with bribery (it's very different), that it undermines intrinsic motivation (it's more likely to enhance it), that it reduces creativity (it's one of the best ways to increase it). Flora also illustrates how reinforcement has been put to good use in a variety of settings - homes, schools, clinics, hospitals, correctional facilities, etc.

Flora's writing is not as fluid as it might be, but it's far less stuffy and technical than the journals on which it draws, so any college student should be able to read the book without difficulty. Reading it is particularly likely to be beneficial to those for whom managing others is part of their daily work, especially parents, teachers, and company executives. It would also serve well as a text in education and management courses. Read the book, and get the power of reinforcement.

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A powerful book.

ByRobert Whitcombon March 16, 2011

Format: Paperback

It's hard for me to explain the impact of this book on me. Dr Flora, in a clear, concise fashion, presents a combination of well thought out arguments combined with research based evidence, that he himself has conducted, that make a strong argument. Reinforcement is presented as both the explanation of behavior as well the most powerful tool for shaping that behavior. I am of the opinion that this book should be required for educators, managers, and parents alike. Anyone who is responsible for managing the behaviors of other people need to understand the role that reinforcements play in behavior selection as well as how that role can be used to gain the desired behavior.

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Highly realistic and applicable

ByCzechMeOuton March 28, 2016

Format: Paperback

As a college student, I was assigned this text as a reading for one of my courses and was a bit hesitant to read something that significantly contradicts what I've learned about motivation in previous college courses; that extrinsic motivation (reinforcement, rewards, etc.) is highly problematic, as it undermines intrinsic motivation, prohibits creativity, and limits task persistence. I've been introduced to and familiarized with numerous texts/lectures, such as Kohn's 'Punished by Rewards' and Dan Pink's TED talk on intrinsic motivation, that have denounced the utilization of extrinsic rewards in real-life tasks.

Let's be pragmatic. Surely, in a perfect world, individuals would be capable of achieving goals (i.e. - job promotions, college educations) solely through intrinsic factors. However, we do not live in a perfect world. Think about it. Why do we choose to attend college; to show up to class everyday and study for hours upon hours for exams? It's not because we're interested in it. I've never come across a student who has said something along the lines of "Yep. I choose to be here because I enjoy it". That's bulls***. We go to college because we are reinforced to, so that we could work towards degrees and subsequently obtain stable, well-paying careers. Similarly, people go to work not merely because they enjoy it, but because they are motivated through external circumstances: paychecks, raises, promotions, etc.

Aside from assuming interests in sports and other leisurely activities, nearly everything I have accomplished in my life could be attributed to external factors. Finishing Dr. Flora's book caused me to recognize that. Texts such as 'Punished by Rewards' baffle me and cause me to laugh hysterically at the utter irony in them. Did Kohn choose to write his text simply out of enjoyment/interest? No. He was likely motivated to finish his book through external rewards, also.

Flora has to be one of the most colorful individuals I've ever met in my life; yet, he knows what he is talking about. The guy is highly intelligent. I'd recommend his book to anyone.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

A Well-Intentioned But Deeply Misleading Book

If you want broad and long-term success ...

I read this book because some students in my doctoral course in motivation had read it and wanted my reaction.Read more

Published on July 1, 2011 by Karl Wheatley

Wow! What a Great Book!!! Have A Wonderful Life With This Stuff!!

This is one of the best books ever written because it explains so clearly the reasons for behavior and how to effectively manipulate any behavior including problem behavior.Read more

Published on March 23, 2010 by William Baehr

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