Which behavior modification method motivates a student to use a desired behavior because of the reward to be obtained?

Which behavior modification method motivates a student to use a desired behavior because of the reward to be obtained?

• A. Punishment
• B. Extinction
• C. Positive Reinforcement
• D. Negative Reinforcement

Answer: (C)

Positive reinforcement is the idea of presenting a reward immediately after a student demonstrates a desired behavior, which motivates them to repeat that behavior in the future. When the reward is meaningful to the student and given promptly and consistently, it strengthens the link between the behavior and the positive outcome, making the behavior more likely to occur again. Examples include praise, tokens, or access to a preferred activity right after the target behavior appears. This approach focuses on adding something desirable to encourage the behavior, rather than using punishment or removing something else. In contrast, punishment applies an aversive consequence to reduce unwanted behavior, extinction relies on withdrawing reinforcement so the behavior fades, and negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus after the behavior. The scenario described emphasizes the motivating reward, which is why positive reinforcement fits best.

Positive reinforcement is the idea of presenting a reward immediately after a student demonstrates a desired behavior, which motivates them to repeat that behavior in the future. When the reward is meaningful to the student and given promptly and consistently, it strengthens the link between the behavior and the positive outcome, making the behavior more likely to occur again. Examples include praise, tokens, or access to a preferred activity right after the target behavior appears. This approach focuses on adding something desirable to encourage the behavior, rather than using punishment or removing something else.

In contrast, punishment applies an aversive consequence to reduce unwanted behavior, extinction relies on withdrawing reinforcement so the behavior fades, and negative reinforcement strengthens a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus after the behavior. The scenario described emphasizes the motivating reward, which is why positive reinforcement fits best.