Final answer:
Reinforcement Theory is the concept that behaviors followed by positive consequences are likely to be repeated, while behaviors with negative consequences are not. It is grounded in the works of B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike's law of effect, playing a key role in operant conditioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that attempts to explain behavior change by suggesting that behavior with positive consequences tends to be repeated, while behavior with negative consequences tends not to be repeated, is known as Reinforcement Theory. This theory is grounded in the work of B.F. Skinner and is based on the law of effect that was first proposed by psychologist Edward Thorndike in 1911. According to this law, behaviors that are followed by consequences that are satisfying to the organism are more likely to be repeated, and behaviors that are followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated.
An example of Reinforcement Theory is in the workplace, where employees are motivated to show up for work and perform tasks due to the positive consequence of receiving a paycheck. Conversely, if the reinforcement (the paycheck) ceases, employees are likely to stop performing the task. This theory, which falls under the domain of operant conditioning, demonstrates that our actions are influenced by the reinforcements and punishments we receive.