Final answer:
Positive reinforcement is a key concept in operant conditioning where a desirable stimulus is added after a target behavior to encourage its repetition. It is distinguished from punishment and negative reinforcement, and is most effective when consistently practiced through continuous reinforcement schedules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive reinforcement is when a positively reinforcing consequence is delivered by another person after the target behavior and as a result, the behavior is more likely to occur. This concept is central to the process of operant conditioning, which was developed by B. F. Skinner and is a method of learning based on the consequences of actions. In this context, a desired behavior is followed by a consequence such as a reinforcement or punishment, with the goal of increasing or decreasing the behavior, respectively. Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. For example, a teacher giving a student praise for completing their homework on time is a form of positive reinforcement that encourages the student to continue submitting their work punctually.
Understanding the distinction between the different terms used in operant conditioning is essential. It is not about good or bad; rather, 'positive' denotes the addition of something, whereas 'negative' indicates the removal of something. Moreover, 'reinforcement' always pertains to an increase in behavior, in contrast to 'punishment', which aims at decreasing behavior. Therefore, effective learning, especially in the initial stages, usually involves a continuous reinforcement schedule where the reinforcer, such as praise or a treat, is given every time the target behavior is performed. This approach is regarded as the quickest way to establish a new behavior.