What does reinforcement mean?

• A. To make something more likely.
• B. To make something less likely.
• C. To observe someone perform a task.
• D. To punish to discourage.

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement is a consequence that makes a behavior more likely to occur again. In operant conditioning, it strengthens a response by following it with something desirable (positive reinforcement) or by removing something aversive (negative reinforcement). So the idea that reinforcement means “to make something more likely” captures the essence of how it works to increase the frequency of a behavior.

Observing someone perform a task relates to observational learning, not reinforcement. Punishment aims to discourage or reduce a behavior, which is the opposite of reinforcement. Making something less likely describes punishment or extinction, not reinforcement.