Which term would describe a learned behavior that increased because of a reinforcement process?

The term that describes a learned behavior that increased because of a reinforcement process is conditioned behavior. Conditioned behavior arises through the process of conditioning, where a subject learns to associate a particular stimulus with a specific response. When a behavior is followed by reinforcement, it strengthens the likelihood of that behavior being exhibited again in the future.

This concept is rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, wherein behaviors that are reinforced—whether through positive reinforcement (adding a pleasant stimulus) or negative reinforcement (removing an unpleasant stimulus)—are more likely to occur again. Thus, conditioned behavior is a direct result of this reinforcement process, making it a pivotal aspect of learning in behavioral psychology.

Other terms like unconditioned behavior, aversive behavior, and escape behavior describe different concepts. Unconditioned behavior refers to innate responses that occur without prior learning, while aversive behavior relates to actions meant to avoid unpleasant stimuli. Escape behavior refers specifically to actions taken to terminate an aversive stimulus after it has started. These concepts do not capture the idea of learned behaviors shaped and increased by reinforcement in the same way that conditioned behavior does.