Which term best describes reinforcing a behavior by presenting a favorable consequence?

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

Answer: (B)

Reinforcement is the idea: when a behavior is followed by a favorable consequence, that behavior is more likely to happen again. In operant conditioning, reinforcing a behavior strengthens it. When the favorable outcome is added, this is called positive reinforcement—examples include praise, a treat, or a bonus after the behavior. This differs from punishment, which aims to reduce behavior by presenting something unpleasant or removing something desirable; extinction, which occurs when reinforcement is withheld, leads to the behavior fading; and modeling, which is learning by observing others. So the term that best fits reinforcing a behavior by presenting a favorable consequence is reinforcement, specifically positive reinforcement.