But each player could also reward or punish each of the other three players, at a cost to the punisher. Harvard researcher David Rand says the most successful behavior proved to be cooperation. The ...

One of the reward “schedules” that B.F. Skinner researched is called a variable ratio schedule. It’s called “variable” because you don’t reward the behavior every time.

Rewards also should not be the only motivation to get a child to perform a task. If a child reads only because there is a reward to be earned, he or she may miss out on the natural joy of reading.

A behavior chart involves setting a goal, creating a chart that clearly displays the goal, and then marking with stars, stickers, or earning other rewards when the behavior has been successfully ...

Reward only occasionally. If a child can figure when a reward will be provided, he or she will only produce the desired behavior when it's certain the reward will be forthcoming. Reward extra effort.

Instead, set a positive example, encourage positive behavior as a meaningful goal itself, and then use rewards sparingly to show that you appreciate and approve of what has been accomplished.

Teachers certainly have used behavior rewards for time out of mind—a piece of candy or a small toy for being compliant was definitely SOP when I was a child.