What is positive reinforcement?

• A. Introduction of a pleasant stimulus after a behaviour to increase its likelihood.
• B. Removal of an unpleasant stimulus after a behaviour to increase its likelihood.
• C. Introduction of an unpleasant stimulus after a behaviour to decrease its likelihood.
• D. Removal of a pleasant stimulus after a behaviour to decrease its likelihood.

Answer: (A)

Positive reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning where a behavior becomes more likely to happen again because something desirable is added after the behavior. By presenting a pleasant stimulus after the behavior, you strengthen the association and increase the chances of that behavior being repeated. For example, giving praise or a treat when someone completes a task makes them more likely to repeat that task. This is different from negative reinforcement, which also increases behavior but relies on removing an unpleasant stimulus rather than adding something pleasant. The other options describe adding an unpleasant stimulus (positive punishment) or removing a pleasant stimulus (negative punishment) to reduce behavior.