One of the most important aspects of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a vital component of effective behavior change and skill development. The correct use of positive reinforcement can result in your child learning new skills and increasing adaptive behaviors. Let’s discuss what exactly positive reinforcement is and how it’s used to shape behavior.

The ABC Model

Before we jump into defining reinforcement, we’ll review the A-B-C model used by ABA professionals. An underlying principle in applied behavior analysis is that behaviors do not occur randomly or for no reason. Every behavior has a reason, even if that reason is not directly clear to us.

The ABC model consists of recording data regarding the events directly before and after a particular behavior. Doing so helps us to understand how events are related to one another and how these events impact behavior.