Which statement defines positive reinforcement?

• A. Something is added to increase the likelihood of a behavior.
• B. Something is removed to increase the likelihood of a behavior.
• C. Something is added to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.
• D. Something is removed to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.

Answer: (A)

Positive reinforcement strengthens a behavior by presenting something desirable after the behavior occurs. The added stimulus serves as a reward, making it more likely that the behavior will happen again because the individual learns the behavior leads to a pleasant outcome. For example, giving praise, a sticker, or a treat after a correct response increases the chance the person will respond similarly in the future. This contrasts with removing something to increase a behavior (negative reinforcement) or adding/removing stimuli to decrease behavior (punishment or extinction), which do not fit the idea of reinforcement.