Differential negative reinforcement of alternative behavior is a technique in which students can escape a portion of a task they perceive to be unpleasant by reaching a predetermined criterion. In this article, we define the negative reinforcement trap and review research on differential negative reinforcement of alternative behavior. We then…

The prevalence of students with behavioral problems who also have learning problems has been reported to be as high as 50% (Glassberg et al. "Behavioral Disorders," 25, 9-21, 1999). In the current study, we progressively evaluated the effects of positive reinforcement, instructional strategies, and, if needed, negative reinforcement on…

This study attempts to generate hypotheses concerning teacher performance in the classroom. Seventeen teachers were videotaped while teaching a lesson. Pupils completed an achievement test and a rating scale of these teachers which placed the teacher in a high-, medium, or low-effect group. A comparison of the frequency and types of questioning…

This research examines 480 current event-explanation units using the CAVE technique (Schulman, Castellon, & Seligman, 1989) to note the relationship between positive and negative explanatory style and achievement of prospective early childhood and upper elementary female teachers. This study found a significant positive relationship between…

Reviews several teaching methodologies in terms of negative affect. Findings indicate that in those situations where students have little incentive to do well or admit that they wish to do poorly, increased negative affect can motivate them to function at a level of operational tension and achieve optimum learning and performance. (36 references)…