In operant conditioning, which of the following best describes the process by which a behavior is strengthened through the presentation of a stimulus following the behavior?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms in operant conditioning. Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by reinforcements or punishments.
2. Step 2: Define positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the process where a behavior is strengthened by presenting a pleasant stimulus immediately after the behavior occurs.
3. Step 3: Differentiate positive reinforcement from other options: Negative punishment involves removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior; extinction is the reduction of behavior when reinforcement stops; negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.
4. Step 4: Identify that the question asks for the process where behavior is strengthened by presenting a stimulus after the behavior, which matches the definition of positive reinforcement.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of strengthening behavior through presentation of a stimulus following the behavior is positive reinforcement.