Question

In the context of reinforcement contingencies, which of the following is a difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?

a) Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior; negative reinforcement decreases it.
b) Positive reinforcement adds a stimulus; negative reinforcement removes a stimulus.
c) Positive reinforcement is based on punishment; negative reinforcement is based on reward.
d) Positive reinforcement is effective in eliminating unwanted behaviors; negative reinforcement is not.

Answer 1

Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus, while negative reinforcement involves removing an undesirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement are two different concepts in operant conditioning. Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an undesirable stimulus to increase a behavior. For example, if you receive a reward for completing a task, that is positive reinforcement. If an annoying sound stops when you buckle your seatbelt, that is negative reinforcement.