Question

What type of reinforcement occurs when the frequency of a behavior increases because it is followed by a desirable stimulus?

Option 1: Positive reinforcement
Option 2: Negative reinforcement
Option 3: Punishment
Option 4: Extinction

Answer 1

The reinforcement that increases behavior by following it with a desirable stimulus is known as positive reinforcement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of reinforcement that occurs when the frequency of a behavior increases because it is followed by a desirable stimulus is known as positive reinforcement. In operant conditioning, positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus after a behavior is demonstrated, with the goal of increasing that behavior's occurrence. This is in contrast to negative reinforcement, which involves the removal of an undesirable stimulus to increase a behavior. It should not be confused with punishment, which aims to decrease a behavior. Thus, with positive reinforcement, a desirable outcome reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to occur in the future.