Positive Reinforcement is defined as:

Positive Reinforcement is defined as:

• A. A process where a behavior is weakened by removing a pleasant stimulus.
• B. A conditioning technique where a desirable result is given for a positive behavior, increasing its likelihood.
• C. A therapeutic technique focusing on desensitization.
• D. A measure of self-monitoring to reduce anxiety.

Answer: (B)

Positive reinforcement strengthens a behavior by adding something desirable after the behavior occurs, which makes that behavior more likely to happen again. The key idea is that a pleasant outcome is presented to encourage the response—for example, giving praise, a sticker, or extra playtime when a student completes a task. This approach increases the probability of the behavior repeating because the added positive consequence is viewed as a reward. This fits the concept because it focuses on reinforcing rather than punishing or diminishing the behavior. In contrast, removing a pleasant stimulus after a behavior describes a way to weaken or punish the behavior, not reinforce it. Desensitization is a therapeutic technique aimed at reducing anxiety through gradual exposure, not about increasing a specific behavior with a reward. Self-monitoring involves becoming aware of and managing one’s thoughts or anxiety, rather than adding a positive consequence to strengthen a particular behavior.

Positive reinforcement strengthens a behavior by adding something desirable after the behavior occurs, which makes that behavior more likely to happen again. The key idea is that a pleasant outcome is presented to encourage the response—for example, giving praise, a sticker, or extra playtime when a student completes a task. This approach increases the probability of the behavior repeating because the added positive consequence is viewed as a reward.

This fits the concept because it focuses on reinforcing rather than punishing or diminishing the behavior. In contrast, removing a pleasant stimulus after a behavior describes a way to weaken or punish the behavior, not reinforce it. Desensitization is a therapeutic technique aimed at reducing anxiety through gradual exposure, not about increasing a specific behavior with a reward. Self-monitoring involves becoming aware of and managing one’s thoughts or anxiety, rather than adding a positive consequence to strengthen a particular behavior.