AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In behavioral psychology, reinforcement is a consequence applied that will strengthen an organism’s future behavior whenever that behavior is preceded by a specific antecedent stimulus.

Detailed explanation-2: -Consequences that increase the future likelihood of occurrence conventionally are termed reinforcers, and the process whereby behavior is strengthened is termed reinforcement (e.g., Fantino & Logan, 1979; Schlinger & Poling, 1998; Skinner, 1953).

Detailed explanation-3: -Reinforcement of a specific behavior could lead to an increase in undesirable behaviors in that same functional response class. Similarly, reinforcement of a specific behavior could lead to a decrease in desirable behaviors in the same functional response class.

Detailed explanation-4: -Punishment is often mistakenly confused with negative reinforcement. The difference: Reinforcement increases the chances that a behavior will occur and punishment decreases the chances that a behavior will occur.

Detailed explanation-5: -Reinforcement is used to help increase the probability that a specific behavior will occur in the future by delivering or removing a stimulus immediately after a behavior. Another way to put it is that reinforcement, if done correctly, results in a behavior occurring more frequently in the future.