What term describes stimuli that strengthen responses that precede them?

• A. Negative reinforcers
• B. Positive reinforcers
• C. Punishment
• D. Schedules of Reinforcement

Answer: (B)

In operant conditioning, reinforcement strengthens behavior. When a stimulus is added after a response and then increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again, that is positive reinforcement. The added stimulus is typically rewarding or desirable, which makes the person or animal more likely to repeat the behavior. For example, giving praise or a treat after someone performs a helpful action serves as a positive reinforcer.

This differs from negative reinforcement, where the strengthening comes from removing an unpleasant stimulus after the response, not adding something new. Punishment, on the other hand, aims to decrease a behavior by introducing an aversive consequence or removing something the individual values. Schedules of reinforcement refer to the pattern or timing of delivering reinforcement, not to the nature of the stimulus itself.