Behavioral approaches to learning propose that positive behavior can be increased by the use of (positive/negative) re-enforcers.

Behavioral approaches to learning propose that positive behavior can be increased by the use of (positive/negative) re-enforcers.

• A. Negative re-enforcers
• B. Punishment
• C. Positive re-enforcers
• D. Withdrawal of privileges

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement strengthens the chance that a behavior will occur again. When you add something desirable after the behavior, you’re using positive reinforcement. That’s exactly what positive re-enforcers do: give praise, rewards, or rewards-like items to encourage the behavior to come back. It’s helpful to contrast it with negative reinforcement, which increases behavior by removing an unpleasant condition, not by adding something desirable. The other options point to approaches that either aim to decrease behavior (punishment or withdrawal of privileges) or rely on removing a nuisance stimulus rather than introducing a positive one. So, because the question focuses on increasing a behavior by presenting something good after it happens, positive re-enforcers is the best fit.

Reinforcement strengthens the chance that a behavior will occur again. When you add something desirable after the behavior, you’re using positive reinforcement. That’s exactly what positive re-enforcers do: give praise, rewards, or rewards-like items to encourage the behavior to come back.

It’s helpful to contrast it with negative reinforcement, which increases behavior by removing an unpleasant condition, not by adding something desirable. The other options point to approaches that either aim to decrease behavior (punishment or withdrawal of privileges) or rely on removing a nuisance stimulus rather than introducing a positive one.

So, because the question focuses on increasing a behavior by presenting something good after it happens, positive re-enforcers is the best fit.