reward system
Positive reinforcement structure
A reward system is any mechanism that reinforces behavior through positive outcomes.
In neuroscience, it refers to brain circuits involving dopamine that produce pleasure and motivation—the neural basis for why certain activities feel good and become habit-forming.
In organizations, reward systems are structured incentives: The company's reward system emphasizes bonuses over base salary.
Video games design elaborate reward systems to keep players engaged.
Reward-linked neural messenger
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
- basal gangliaSubcortical motor-control nuclei
- synapseNerve signal crossing point
receptor · neural pathway · neuron · serotonin · endorphins · neurochemical · neuroplasticity · conditioning
Adding support or encouragement
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- responseAnswer to stimulus
operant · Pavlovian · positive reinforcement · negative reinforcement · shaping · extinction · token economy · habit formation
Reward beyond expectation
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- perksAdditional job advantages
- benefitsGains or helpful effects
- raiseLift or increase
promotion · compensation · merit pay · incentive · profit-sharing · stock options · recognition · employee of the month
Powerful urge to have
- dependenceState of needing another
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- compulsionIrresistible urge to act
relapse · hijacking · substance abuse · gambling · binge · desensitization · behavioral addiction · impulse control
Units of tally
- leaderboardRanked list of competitors
- badgesWorn symbols of status
- levelsHeights or ranked stages
- questsPurposeful extended journeys
challenges · progression · unlockables · experience · rankings · trophies · milestones · achievements
Successful completion of aim
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- goalDesired end result
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- trophyAward for winning
medal · certificate · badge · honor · distinction · accolade · acknowledgment · praise
dopamine
Reward-linked neural messenger
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- prefrontal cortexBrain's planning and impulse center
- basal gangliaSubcortical motor-control nuclei
synapse · receptor · neural pathway · neuron · serotonin · endorphins · neurochemical · neuroplasticity · conditioning
reinforcement
Adding support or encouragement
- conditioningLearned behavioral adaptation
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
response · operant · Pavlovian · positive reinforcement · negative reinforcement · shaping · extinction · token economy · habit formation · feedback loop
bonus
Reward beyond expectation
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- perksAdditional job advantages
- benefitsGains or helpful effects
raise · promotion · compensation · merit pay · incentive · profit-sharing · stock options · recognition · employee of the month · performance review
craving
Powerful urge to have
- dependenceState of needing another
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- withdrawalAct of taking away
compulsion · relapse · hijacking · substance abuse · gambling · binge · desensitization · behavioral addiction · impulse control
points
Units of tally
- leaderboardRanked list of competitors
- badgesWorn symbols of status
- levelsHeights or ranked stages
quests · challenges · progression · unlockables · experience · rankings · trophies · milestones · achievements · multiplayer
accomplishment
Successful completion of aim
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- goalDesired end result
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
trophy · medal · certificate · badge · honor · distinction · accolade · acknowledgment · praise · validation
- chore chartstickers, checkboxes, stars, magnets, weekly tasks
- school disciplinesuspension, expulsion, detention, corporal punishment, paddling
- systemsecosystems, ecosystem, transportation network, neural network, neural networks
- rewardreinforcement, incentive, gratification, pleasure, satisfaction
- behavior changereinforcement, conditioning, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, consequence
- brain partscerebellum, hippocampus, brainstem, thalamus, hypothalamus
reward, system, rewarding, rewards, rewarded, systems, systemic, systematize, unrewarded