In operant conditioning, when removal of a stimulus in response to a behavior increases the frequency of that behavior, this is known as:

• A. Negative punishment
• B. Positive reinforcement
• C. Positive punishment
• D. Negative reinforcement

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms in operant conditioning: 'positive' means adding a stimulus, 'negative' means removing a stimulus, 'reinforcement' means increasing behavior, and 'punishment' means decreasing behavior.
2. Identify the behavior consequence described: removal of a stimulus in response to a behavior that increases the frequency of that behavior.
3. Match the consequence to the definitions: since a stimulus is removed (negative) and the behavior increases (reinforcement), this corresponds to negative reinforcement.
4. Contrast with other options: negative punishment involves removal of a stimulus but decreases behavior; positive reinforcement adds a stimulus and increases behavior; positive punishment adds a stimulus and decreases behavior.
5. Conclude that the correct term for the described process is negative reinforcement, as it fits the criteria of removing a stimulus to increase behavior.