What is defined as positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is defined as the process of adding a stimulus following a behavior that increases the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This can involve various types of stimuli, such as praise, rewards, or other desirable outcomes, that serve to strengthen the connection between the behavior and its positive outcome.

In this context, referring to the process as adding a stimulus emphasizes that it is not just about the presence of a positive condition, but specifically how that addition can enhance and encourage specific behaviors. For example, if a child receives a sticker for completing their homework, that sticker serves as a positive reinforcer because it makes it more likely that the child will complete homework again in the future.

The other options do not accurately define positive reinforcement. One describes a removal of a negative stimulus, which is more aligned with negative reinforcement, while another involves ignoring behaviors, which is a component of punishment strategies. Lastly, providing verbal praise without any conditions might be seen as positive reinforcement, but it does not specifically emphasize the aspect of increased likelihood of behavior repetition, which is the key element that defines positive reinforcement.