Positive and Negative Self-Reinforcement Behavior Under Different Instructional Constraints

Abstract
It was hypothesized that the use of self-reinforcement (SR) would vary as a function of the context in which it was administered. A recognition memory task was administered to 48 college students. They were instructed to administer positive self-reinforcement (SR+) and/or self-punishment (SR-) for their performance under one of four sets of instructions. Total SR administered and rates of SR+ and SR- all varied as predicted.