What term describes a stimulus change that increases the probability of a behavior?

What term describes a stimulus change that increases the probability of a behavior?

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

Answer: (D)

Reinforcement is a consequence that increases the probability that the behavior will occur again. This term describes a stimulus change that makes the behavior more likely in the future. It can be positive reinforcement, where a desirable stimulus is added after the behavior (for example, giving a treat when a dog sits), or negative reinforcement, where an aversive stimulus is removed after the behavior (such as stopping a loud noise when the dog complies). The common thread is that reinforcement strengthens the behavior. Punishment would decrease the behavior by adding an aversive outcome or removing a pleasant one. Extinction involves withholding reinforcement, leading to a decrease in the behavior. Generalization is when the behavior occurs in other, similar situations or with similar stimuli, not about increasing the probability through a stimulus change.

Reinforcement is a consequence that increases the probability that the behavior will occur again. This term describes a stimulus change that makes the behavior more likely in the future. It can be positive reinforcement, where a desirable stimulus is added after the behavior (for example, giving a treat when a dog sits), or negative reinforcement, where an aversive stimulus is removed after the behavior (such as stopping a loud noise when the dog complies). The common thread is that reinforcement strengthens the behavior.

Punishment would decrease the behavior by adding an aversive outcome or removing a pleasant one. Extinction involves withholding reinforcement, leading to a decrease in the behavior. Generalization is when the behavior occurs in other, similar situations or with similar stimuli, not about increasing the probability through a stimulus change.