These approaches to motivation explain the role of rewards as they cause behaviour to change or remain the same. Behaviour that results in rewarding consequences is likely to be repeated. Expectancy theory and reinforcement theory are similar in that both consider the processes by which an individual chooses behaviours in a particular situation. However, expectancy theory focuses more on behaviour choices, and reinforcement theory focuses more on the consequences of those choices. Reinforcement contingencies are the possible outcomes that an individual may experience as a result of his or her choice of behaviour.
Punishment is unpleasant consequences used to weaken undesired behaviour. .
Extinction is ending undesired behaviour by ignoring and not reinforcing it. There are four approaches to providing reinforcement. . A fixedinterval schedule provides reinforcement at fixed intervals of time, regardless of behaviour. . A variableinterval schedule provides reinforcement at varying time intervals. . A fixedration schedule gives reinforcement after a fixed number of behaviours, regardless of the time that has elapsed between behaviours. .