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In the studies of behavior, conditioning, and motivation, scientists in the field of psychology focus on the basic principles of operant conditioning. The first and most important of the elements of operant conditioning is the concept of reinforcement; positive and negative, as well as primary and secondary. The second most important aspect of operant condition studied by psychologists in the concept of punishment, primary, secondary, negative and positive. These two central concepts in operant conditioning shape the motivations of animals (including human beings) in life and all the re/actions therein.

A reinforcer is in its most basic form, an event that increases the frequency and future probability of a particular action or reaction to a stimulus. Examples of reinforcement include: "a person [who] works hard at his job and is rewarded with high pay; [and when] a student studies long hours for an examination and is rewarded with a top grade"(Lefton et al, 2004). The behaviors/motivations for executing an action such as studying or working hard are conditioned from reinforcements received from past behaviors. Reinforcement isn't as simple as cause and effect of behavior and reward; there are in fact, two main types of reinforcement.

The first type is positive reinforcement. This is the most common practice associated with reinforcement. Instances of this type are characterized by the addition of a factor to the situation in order to create a motivation for repeated behavior. In the most simple of terms, it is reward for good behavior (to increase the correct reactions occurrence rate). This could be as basic as a treat given to a child for good behavior (Reeve, 2001).

On the other hand, negative reinforcement is an instance when there is the subtraction of an element in a situation in order to create motivation for repeated behavior. The element presented is often unpleasant and aversive, therefore causing the want to reduce future instances of the reinforcer (Reeve, 2001).

Reinforcement has actually been proven to be very successful in establishing and continuing behavior in specific instances, but it doesn't always have to be in a physical realm. Intrinsic motivation (the motivation of self, and a reward within the action itself) tends to be a reinforcement factor for many behaviors, and it is often a motivation fueled by self satisfaction and reward (Lefton et al, 2004).

On the other end of operant conditioning is the concept of punishment. Punishment is a

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