Question

a positive reinforcer is used to ____ desired behavior. a negative reinforcer is used to ____ desired behavior.
decrease; decrease
increase; decrease
decrease; increase
increase; increase

Explanation:

In operant conditioning, both positive and negative reinforcers aim to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. Positive reinforcers add something pleasant (e.g., a reward), while negative reinforcers remove something unpleasant (e.g., stopping an annoying sound). The key is that reinforcement—whether positive or negative—strengthens (increases) behavior.

Answer:

Increase; increase