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| Positive and Negative Reinforcement in OBM: The Jewish Mother Meets Positive Psychology |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Liberty C |
| Area: OBM/TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Timothy D. Ludwig (Appalachian State University) |
| Discussant: Timothy D. Ludwig (Appalachian State University) |
| Abstract: . |
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| The Positive Psychology of Success Seeking: Promoting Positive Reinforcement in Organizations and Education |
| DOUGLAS WIEGAND (Virginia Tech), E. Scott Geller (Virginia Tech) |
| Abstract: “Positive psychology” has gained considerable attention over the past several years. So much, in fact, it seems to be creating its own sub-discipline in psychology. The focus of positive psychology is on positive features of life, such as factors that enable hope, wisdom, creativity, future mindedness, courage, spirituality, and responsibility. By understanding the factors that establish such positive human characteristics, some predict that positive psychology will set the foundation for a more perfect world. What positive psychology is missing is an emphasis on the principles of applied behavior analysis, particularly positive versus negative reinforcement. This presentation addresses this predicament, and discusses achievement motivation as an example of how applied behavior analysis can be used to promote a success-seeking orientation within organizations and our educational system. Understanding this information is important for behavioral scientists to consider adopting as a rationale for their positive reinforcement approach to behavioral intervention. This not only sets the stage for integrating the principles of applied behavior analysis with research conducted in education and other fields, but also provides an example of how positive reinforcement can claim its rightful position in positive psychology. |
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| Achieving the Positive Life Through Negative Reinforcement |
| RICHARD W. MALOTT (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: In this paper, I will elaborate on the importance of the Jewish Mother Syndrome in OBM and address the connection between positive psychology and OBM, as well as achievement motivation, the power of positive reinforcement, and the humaneness of aversive control. This multi-media presentation will be unencumbered by data. (In other words, this will not be a data-based presentation and will thereby fly under the radar of the ABA research-methods police.) |
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| Let the Goals Decide: Revisiting the Subject Matter and Practices of OBM |
| SCOTT A. HERBST (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: Organizational behavior management (OBM) researchers have had an ongoing concern as to the respective roles of positive and negative reinforcement in an organizational setting. Many contend that we should strive towards the goal of aversive control while others maintain the use of aversive control as unavoidable. This presentation will discuss the issue of control in light of the goals (as stated by this author) of OBM and highlight academic and applied OBM practices that are inconsistent with these goals. It will conclude with recommendations as to what the focus of OBM should be if the interest is in expanding its impact both within and across organizations. |
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