What Is Positive Reinforcement?

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The theory of motivation is seen in both the negative and positive experiences. Reinforcement is an action that follows a specific behaviour, increasing the likelihood of that particular behaviour being repeated in the future (Potgieter, 2013). With regards to positive reinforcement, Thorndike’s Law of Effect proposes that one is more likely to repeat a specific behaviour when it results in something positive (eg: a reward) (Potgieter, 2013). Positive reinforcement consists of two aspects namely; intrinsic and extrinsic rewards (Potgieter, 2013). Intrinsic rewards are derived from an engaging in tasks willingly and attempt to improve their own skills whereas, extrinsic rewards are when a task is undertaken in order to attain a certain outcome (Weiten, pg 285).

In regards to the negative experience, extrinsic rewards were a stronger motivator for the coach. This was seen as he was more concerned with winning rather than focusing on the well-being of the players. Overly relying on extrinsic material rewards weakened the team’s intrinsic motivation (Potgieter, 2013). Athletes began to feel that if the team did not win, they had let the coach down. We began to lose enjoyment in the task itself and no longer engaged in tasks willingly. Whereas, in the positive experience, intrinsic rewards were seen when the coach put in the extra effort to help the team improve the skills and techniques. …show more content…

In the negative experience, the coach should ignore favouritism and focus on forming good relationships with all team members rather than just one or two and mentally aid an athlete. As an injured athlete I was unable to participate due to the severity of the injury. The coach should focus on all the players including the injured. Studies have shown that the support from the coach to an injured player reduces stress and improves motivation of the injured athlete (Nicholls and Jones,

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