Question

Positive reinforcement............................... the rate of responding.

• A. decreases
• B. Increases
• C. neither increases nor decreases
• D. ceases

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Increases

Positive reinforcement is a fundamental principle in operant conditioning, a learning theory developed by American psychologist B.F. Skinner: 

• Operant conditioning

  A learning method where the consequences of a behavior determine its likelihood of being repeated. 

• Positive reinforcement

  A technique that increases the probability of a behavior by presenting a favorable outcome, event, or reward after an action. 

• Reinforcement schedules

  Several types of schedules are used to reward behavior depending on either a set or variable period of time. For example, a fixed-ratio schedule produces a high, steady rate of responding. 

Other types of reinforcement include: 

• Negative reinforcement: Increases a behavior by removing something unpleasant. 

• Punishment: Decreases a behavior by adding or removing something unpleasant. 

• Primary and secondary reinforcement: Reinforcements can be either primary or secondary.