Question

according to research, the most powerful reinforcement technique in conditioning is _______
a. extinction
b. negative reinforcement
c. positive reinforcement
d. punishment

please select the best answer from the choices provided

a
b
c
d

Explanation:

Analyze the question stem and options

The question asks for the most powerful reinforcement technique in conditioning. The options provided are:
A. extinction
B. negative reinforcement
C. positive reinforcement
D. punishment

Evaluate the options based on psychological research

• Extinction and punishment are not reinforcement techniques; extinction is the gradual weakening of a conditioned response, and punishment is designed to decrease a behavior.
• Between negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement, research in operant conditioning shows that positive reinforcement (adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior) is the most powerful and effective technique for shaping and maintaining behavior.

Answer:

• A. extinction
• B. negative reinforcement
• C. positive reinforcement (Correct answer)
• D. punishment