10/27/2026
Hey, we get it. To those unfamiliar with reinforcement, the concept can sound a liiiittle bit like bribery at first. Once we dive a little deeper though, we’re able to see the clear differences between the two.
❌BRIBERY:
-Offered in the moment, to stop negative behavior that already occurring.
-Based on whatever is immediately available to the briber
-Increases likelihood of negative behavior occurring again (in order to get more bribes)
-Sounds like “If you stop screaming, I’ll buy you a chocolate bar”
✅REINFORCEMENT:
-Planned ahead of time and offered immediately after positive behavior occurs.
-Based on what motivates this specific child
-Increases likelihood of positive behavior occurring again
-Sounds like “You did a great job behaving in the store today! Let’s pick a treat in the checkout line as a reward.”
See what we mean? Bribery leaves your child in control, as you desperately negotiate for compliance. Reinforcement keeps you, the adult, in control: you decide when and if the reward has been earned! ⭐️
Got questions about any other ABA concepts? Leave them in the comments below, and we’ll address them in the coming weeks! In the meantime, check out our website at https://aba-llc.com/
