Which type of reinforcement leads to an increase in behavior by presenting a pleasant stimulus?

Positive reinforcement is the process through which behavior is increased by the introduction of a pleasant stimulus following that behavior. When a reinforcing stimulus is presented after a desired behavior occurs, it enhances the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. For example, if a child receives praise or a reward for completing their homework, the pleasant experience associated with the praise or reward is likely to encourage them to complete their homework again.

This form of reinforcement focuses on adding something desirable to reinforce an action, thereby shaping and strengthening the behavior over time. In contrast, negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior, while negative punishment and positive punishment focus on reducing behavior by either removing a pleasant stimulus or presenting an unpleasant one, respectively. Understanding these principles is crucial for effectively applying behavioral strategies in various settings.