Which term describes giving rewards to reinforce a desired behavior in a learning environment?

Which term describes giving rewards to reinforce a desired behavior in a learning environment?

• A. Punishment
• B. Modeling
• C. Reinforcement
• D. Extinction

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement strengthens a behavior by presenting a consequence that makes it more likely to occur again. In a classroom, giving rewards after a learner demonstrates a desirable behavior—like praise, stickers, or extra privileges—encourages that behavior to be repeated. This is positive reinforcement, because something pleasant is added. Other terms describe different processes: punishment adds something unpleasant to reduce an unwanted behavior; modeling is showing the behavior for others to imitate; extinction is when a behavior stops receiving reinforcement, leading to a decrease. So reinforcement best describes giving rewards to increase the likelihood of the desired behavior.

Reinforcement strengthens a behavior by presenting a consequence that makes it more likely to occur again. In a classroom, giving rewards after a learner demonstrates a desirable behavior—like praise, stickers, or extra privileges—encourages that behavior to be repeated. This is positive reinforcement, because something pleasant is added. Other terms describe different processes: punishment adds something unpleasant to reduce an unwanted behavior; modeling is showing the behavior for others to imitate; extinction is when a behavior stops receiving reinforcement, leading to a decrease. So reinforcement best describes giving rewards to increase the likelihood of the desired behavior.