In Behaviorism, what is the effect of reinforcement on learning?

• A. Reinforcement has no effect on behavior
• B. Punishment increases the likelihood of a behavior
• C. Only reinforcement affects behavior
• D. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior

Answer: (D)

Reinforcement in Behaviorism is any consequence that increases the chance a behavior will be repeated. When a behavior is followed by reinforcement, its likelihood of occurring again goes up, which is the core idea behind operant conditioning. Positive reinforcement adds something pleasant (like praise or a treat) to strengthen the behavior, while negative reinforcement removes something undesirable (like stopping a loud noise) to strengthen it as well. Both forms make the behavior more likely in the future. It's not that reinforcement has no effect, and punishment serves to decrease behavior rather than increase it. So, reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior.