Final answer:
When a reinforcer is presented, the probability of a response increases, and when a punisher is presented, the probability of the response decreases. The correct answer is C) Reinforcer; punisher, as these terms are used in operant conditioning to describe events that alter the frequency of behaviour.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a reinforcer is presented the probability of a response increases. When a punisher is presented the probability of the response decreases. The correct answer to the provided question is C) Reinforcer; punisher.
In operant conditioning, a reinforcer is any event that strengthens or increases the frequency of a behaviour. Reinforcers can be positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing something undesirable). Conversely, a punisher is any event that weakens or decreases the frequency of a behaviour, and like reinforcement, punishment can be positive (adding something undesirable) or negative (taking away something desirable).
Each of these consequences affects behaviour by altering the probability that the behaviour will occur again. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behaviour, while punishment decreases it. Understanding these principles is crucial for effectively applying operant conditioning techniques in various settings, such as education, parenting, and animal training.