Misfit Minute 10: Reinforcement vs. Bribery – What Teachers and BCBAs Need to Know

Reinforcement isn’t a trick, a loophole, or a bribe—it’s an evidence-based strategy that builds real behavior change. In this quick Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares a practical way to explain the difference between reinforcement and bribery—perfect for staff training or team refreshers.

🧠 Key Takeaways:
🔄 Reinforcement is proactive, planned, and delivered after the desired behavior
🚫 Bribery is reactive, often given during or after problem behavior to stop it
💼 Think of it like a paycheck: you work first, then get paid—that’s reinforcement!
🧠 Reinforcement is rooted in decades of research and builds long-term independence
🗣️ Use simple analogies (like paychecks) to help staff and families understand the difference

🛠️ Resources & Mentions:
💡 Great clip to use in staff meetings or paraprofessional trainings
📄 Want a free reinforcement vs. bribery handout? Check the Facebook group!

🙌 Join Us & Share
📱 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for quick, practical tips
💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources https://abainschool.com/misfits
🎧 Subscribe to catch all our behavior strategy drops
👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs some fresh ideas!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!