Cultural Survival Skills

The Law of Effect

One of the premier laws in psychology is the Law of Effect. The Law of Effect states that behavior is controlled by its consequences. Our behavior (our operant behavior) is controlled by consequences. To change human behavior effective consequences can be presented in what is called a behavioral contingency.  The behavioral contingency simply specifies that if a particular behavior occurs, a specific consequence will immediately follow. Any time a culture provides a contingency of positive reinforcement for a desired behavior, the frequency of that behavior will increase within its population.

The following example of a contingency of positive reinforcement for exercise and this illustration of the Law of Effect in action. Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw

I thank my friend and colleague Darrel Bostow, Ph.D., for sending me this wonderful video.

VTM, 10/15/09

Tags: behavioral contingency, consequences, cultural influence, Darrel Bostow, exercise, law of effect

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