In operant conditioning, which of the following is an example of reinforcement?

• A. Positive reinforcement
• B. Observational learning
• C. Insight learning
• D. Latent learning

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement in operant conditioning is anything that increases the chance a behavior will occur again by following the behavior with a consequence the organism finds rewarding. Positive reinforcement specifically adds a pleasant stimulus after the behavior to boost its future frequency. For example, giving a dog a treat when it sits makes it more likely to sit again. The other terms describe different learning ideas: observational learning is learning by watching others; insight learning is a sudden realization to solve a problem; latent learning is knowledge that’s acquired without obvious reinforcement and isn’t shown until motivation prompts it. Since positive reinforcement involves presenting a rewarding outcome to strengthen the behavior, it is the best example of reinforcement.