Final answer:
Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior. It is a key concept in operant conditioning, different from punishment, which seeks to decrease behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
POSITIVE reinforcement is the occurrence of a behavior, which if followed by the addition of a stimulus, results in the increased likelihood of the behavior in the future. Positive reinforcement uses the strategy of providing a desirable stimulus to increase the behavior it follows. This is based on the concept outlined in operant conditioning, a theory developed by B.F. Skinner. It is important to note that positive reinforcement is different from punishment. Whereas reinforcement, whether positive or negative, always aims to increase the likelihood of a behavior, punishment is meant to decrease it.
For example, rewarding a student with praise or a special privilege for completing their homework on time exemplifies positive reinforcement. The positive outcome (praise or privilege) that follows the action functions as an incentive, increasing the probability that the student will repeat the behavior.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for effectively using reinforcement in various settings like education, parenting, and training. It helps identify how specific outcomes following a behavior can shape learning and behavioral patterns over time.