Behavior Quote by Karen Pryor
““that aversives stop behavior, they don’t start it; and””
About This Quote
Source Book: Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor, 2005
Aversive stimuli can suppress actions but cannot initiate new behaviors; motivation must come from positive reinforcement.
In simple terms: Punishment stops, doesn’t start behavior.
Key Takeaway
Use rewards to create new actions.
Themes
behavior change
motivation
reinforcement
Mood
reflective
practical
Type
instructional
psychological
When to use this quote
- training dogs
- teaching children
- habit formation
- workplace incentives
Key Concepts
Operant conditioning
behavioral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you replace punishment with encouragement?
- What positive outcomes can you reward?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on punishment may breed fear and resistance.
![“As he [Sir Malcolm Sargeant, conductor of the London Philharmonic] stood in waist deep in the shallows of Whaler's Cove, the littler spinners came drifting over, sleek and dainty, gazing at him curiously with their soft dark eyes. Malcolm was a tactful, graceful man in his movements, and so the…” quote by Karen Pryor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eca/karen-pryor-39019_dark-eyes_as-he-sir-malcolm-sargeant-conductor-of_162419.jpg)
