In behavior analysis, what refers to an environmental change that increases the likelihood of a behavior?

The correct answer is reinforcement, as it specifically pertains to the process of strengthening a behavior by following it with a stimulus that increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. In behavior analysis, reinforcement is a key principle, where an event or object following a behavior reinforces that behavior. For example, if a child receives praise for completing their homework, the praise serves as a reinforcer, making it more likely that the child will complete their homework in the future.

While antecedents can precede behaviors and also influence whether a behavior will occur, they do not specifically refer to changes that strengthen behavior after it has occurred. Consequences are outcomes that follow behaviors but are not necessarily reinforcing. A stimulus refers to any environmental change but is not limited to those that increase the likelihood of specific behaviors. Thus, reinforcement accurately describes the environmental change that serves to increase the probability of a behavior.