Principle of Positive Reinforcement probability scale

The scale below was designed to show important implications of the Principle of Positive Reinforcement, which states that:

Any behavior that occurs and is followed by reinforcement is more likely to occur again.

Since this principle applies to any behavior, unintentional reinforcement of unacceptable behavior actually works against the goals parents set for their children.  This is one of several implications of the principle, and fully understanding them all is essential to consistent success in teaching children to behave responsibly.  And failing to consider all of those implications is one of the most common causes of unhappiness in both parents and their children.  To download this scale, go to the link at the bottom of the page.