Columbia State Rolls On

Perhaps we should take up a collection for this poor aggrieved soul. Dr. Foster...how much shall we put you down for? (relax Barry, it was just a joke)


Bruce

 

Punishment and/or the fear of punishment alters behavior, nothing more. [/QUOTE]

This is an assumption that even a quick glance at motivational theory could inform more thoroughly. Punishment does motivate. But so do many other things. Just think for a minute of what motivates you. Is it just punishment and /or the fear of punishment? Nothing more?

For example, what motivates you and I to post here? Neither of us do it to escape punishment.

The reason I'm spending time to write this is important. We all come to this community with various assumptions and life experiences that drive our behavior.

Let me use Bruce and I for an example. Bruce has a background in police work - and he brings his assumptions and beliefs. I'm a sociologist - and I carry my own assumptions and beliefs. We both are passionate about our beliefs and tactics.

We can argue with passion. Bruce will do his thing. I'll do mine. But I don't believe either of us is motivated by fear. We both want things to be better. Our assumptions, experiences, values, norms and beliefs cause us to choose different paths on this subject. Even though one might interpret it as hysteria, for me it is simply passion.

Some parents opt to train their children based on fear. Others train them on encouragement and positive reinforcement.

 

I'm not getting testy Jack, you referred to cops getting fired for using discretion, I pointed out that I was referring to actions within the law, which are, by definition, lawful. From the looks of it, I thought you missed that part.

Whether it's good or bad, there can be no absolute code of behavior for members of this forum. We certainly regulate obviously disruptive things like personal insults or spam attacks, but many things fall into a gray area that no one can agree on. For example, I'm no fan of unaccredited schools, but I would never stop someone who wanted to try to make a case for them. I would disagree and debate vigorously, but they have every right to post their opinions. The same goes for this subject, I disagree with you & Barry, but I would never suggest that you shouldn't post your opinions or objections.

As for me arguing for something I don't believe in, that must be a 6'4" reference (over my head).


Bruce

 

Taken as such Bruce!

 

This is an assumption that even a quick glance at motivational theory could inform more thoroughly. Punishment does motivate. But so do many other things. Just think for a minute of what motivates you. Is it just punishment and /or the fear of punishment? Nothing more?

For example, what motivates you and I to post here? Neither of us do it to escape punishment.

The reason I'm spending time to write this is important. We all come to this community with various assumptions and life experiences that drive our behavior.

Let me use Bruce and I for an example. Bruce has a background in police work - and he brings his assumptions and beliefs. I'm a sociologist - and I carry my own assumptions and beliefs. We both are passionate about our beliefs and tactics.

We can argue with passion. Bruce will do his thing. I'll do mine. But I don't believe either of us is motivated by fear. We both want things to be better. Our assumptions, experiences, values, norms and beliefs cause us to choose different paths on this subject. Even though one might interpret it as hysteria, for me it is simply passion.

Some parents opt to train their children based on fear. Others train them on encouragement and positive reinforcement.[/QUOTE]

When it comes to rearing children you are correct, positive reinforcement and role modeling is best. Behavior modification also works well with children.

However, once the adult personality is formed (minus character) and we are dealing with a group or an entire society the only way to change behavior is to punish offenders.

Wes, who has two young sons, raised a stepdaughter and is a professional counselor.