In the context of operant conditioning, what is most likely to occur when positive reinforcement is employed?

• A. The desired behavior is punished and decreases.
• B. The individual becomes less motivated to perform the behavior.
• C. The behavior remains unchanged.
• D. The frequency of the desired behavior increases.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of operant conditioning, which is a learning process where behaviors are influenced by their consequences.
2. Recognize that positive reinforcement involves presenting a pleasant stimulus immediately after a desired behavior occurs.
3. Recall that the purpose of positive reinforcement is to increase the likelihood that the desired behavior will occur again in the future.
4. Analyze the options given: punishment decreases behavior, lack of motivation suggests no reinforcement, and unchanged behavior means no effect; positive reinforcement should increase behavior frequency.
5. Conclude that when positive reinforcement is employed, the frequency of the desired behavior increases because the behavior is followed by a rewarding consequence.