Which term refers to an event that increases the likelihood that a given response will reoccur in similar situations?

Which term refers to an event that increases the likelihood that a given response will reoccur in similar situations?

• A. Consequence
• B. Behavior
• C. Reinforcement
• D. Motivation

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement is the process by which an event following a behavior increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in similar situations. In practice, when a student’s behavior is followed by a favorable outcome, that outcome strengthens the chance the same behavior will be repeated. This can be positive reinforcement—adding something pleasant like praise or a reward after the behavior—or negative reinforcement—removing something unpleasant once the behavior occurs. The key idea is that reinforcement strengthens the behavior, making it more probable in the future. A consequence is any outcome after a behavior, but only reinforcement specifically increases its recurrence. Motivation refers to the internal drive to act, not the mechanism that enhances a behavior after it occurs.

Reinforcement is the process by which an event following a behavior increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in similar situations. In practice, when a student’s behavior is followed by a favorable outcome, that outcome strengthens the chance the same behavior will be repeated. This can be positive reinforcement—adding something pleasant like praise or a reward after the behavior—or negative reinforcement—removing something unpleasant once the behavior occurs. The key idea is that reinforcement strengthens the behavior, making it more probable in the future. A consequence is any outcome after a behavior, but only reinforcement specifically increases its recurrence. Motivation refers to the internal drive to act, not the mechanism that enhances a behavior after it occurs.