In a scenario where a player receives a reward for meeting a performance goal, this is an example of which form of reinforcement?

In a scenario where a player receives a reward for meeting a performance goal, this is an example of which form of reinforcement?

• A. Negative Reinforcement
• B. Positive Reinforcement
• C. Negative Punishment
• D. Positive Punishment

Answer: (B)

Focusing on how reinforcement shapes behavior, receiving a reward after meeting a performance goal is positive reinforcement. The key idea is that a desirable consequence follows the targeted behavior, making it more likely the behavior will occur again. In sport, rewards can be praise, a trophy, extra playtime, or any appealing outcome that motivates the athlete to repeat the successful performance. Negative reinforcement would involve removing something unpleasant after the goal is met (for example, ending a demanding drill), which also strengthens behavior but uses removal of an aversive element rather than adding an appealing reward. Positive punishment would add an aversive consequence to reduce a behavior, and negative punishment would take away a desirable stimulus to reduce it. Because the scenario describes adding a reward to reinforce the successful performance, positive reinforcement is the correct concept.

Focusing on how reinforcement shapes behavior, receiving a reward after meeting a performance goal is positive reinforcement. The key idea is that a desirable consequence follows the targeted behavior, making it more likely the behavior will occur again. In sport, rewards can be praise, a trophy, extra playtime, or any appealing outcome that motivates the athlete to repeat the successful performance.

Negative reinforcement would involve removing something unpleasant after the goal is met (for example, ending a demanding drill), which also strengthens behavior but uses removal of an aversive element rather than adding an appealing reward. Positive punishment would add an aversive consequence to reduce a behavior, and negative punishment would take away a desirable stimulus to reduce it. Because the scenario describes adding a reward to reinforce the successful performance, positive reinforcement is the correct concept.