AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -“The strengthening of behavior which results from reinforcement is appropriately called conditioning. In operant conditioning, we strengthen an operant in the sense of making a response more probable or, in actual fact, more frequent.” B. F. Skinner.

Detailed explanation-2: -Reinforcement is any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows. There are two kinds of reinforcers. In both of these cases of reinforcement, the behavior increases. Positive reinforcers are favorable events or outcomes that are presented after the behavior.

Detailed explanation-3: -There are four types of reinforcement: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, extinction, and punishment. Positive reinforcement is the application of a positive reinforcer.

Detailed explanation-4: -A behavior that is strengthened through the process of reinforcement is called an operant behavior. The operant behavior of the rat pressing the lever was reinforced in Skinner’s experiments.

Detailed explanation-5: -Reinforcement means you are increasing a behavior, and punishment means you are decreasing a behavior. Reinforcement can be positive or negative, and punishment can also be positive or negative. All reinforcers (positive or negative) increase the likelihood of a behavioral response.