Question

in behaviorism, what does the term \positive reinforcement\ mean?

a.) something is added to decrease the frequency of a behavior or discourage an activity.

b.) something is removed to decrease the frequency of a behavior or discourage an activity.

c.) not being aware of behaviors

d.) something is added to increase the frequency of a behavior or encourage an activity.

Explanation:

Here is a high-level summary of the reasoning leading to the correct option:

• We break down the term "positive reinforcement" into its two core components in operant conditioning: "positive" means adding a stimulus, and "reinforcement" means increasing the likelihood or frequency of a behavior.
• We evaluate each option based on these definitions: option (a) describes positive punishment, option (b) describes negative punishment, option (c) is irrelevant to reinforcement, and option (d) correctly identifies adding a stimulus to increase a behavior.
• Therefore, option (d) is the correct definition.

Answer:

• a.) Something is added to decrease the frequency of a behavior or discourage an activity.
• b.) Something is removed to decrease the frequency of a behavior or discourage an activity.
• c.) Not being aware of behaviors
• d.) Something is added to increase the frequency of a behavior or encourage an activity. (Correct answer)