Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement?

Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement?

• A. Taking away a toy when a child misbehaves
• B. Giving a child a sticker for good behavior
• C. Turning down a loud TV when someone asks nicely
• D. Ignoring a child until they say "please"

Answer: (B)

Positive reinforcement involves presenting a desirable stimulus after a behavior occurs to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. In this scenario, giving a child a sticker for displaying good behavior is a clear example of positive reinforcement because the sticker is a reward that encourages the child to continue behaving well. The act of providing a sticker adds something positive to the environment that reinforces the child's good behavior. This approach builds connections between the behavior (good behavior) and the reward (sticker), enhancing the probability of the child repeating that behavior. The other options involve consequences that do not introduce a positive reward for desired behavior. Taking away a toy, turning down a loud TV, and ignoring a child until they say "please" are methods of punishment or prompting behavior without the addition of a positive reinforcement element. Therefore, these actions do not exemplify positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement involves presenting a desirable stimulus after a behavior occurs to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. In this scenario, giving a child a sticker for displaying good behavior is a clear example of positive reinforcement because the sticker is a reward that encourages the child to continue behaving well.

The act of providing a sticker adds something positive to the environment that reinforces the child's good behavior. This approach builds connections between the behavior (good behavior) and the reward (sticker), enhancing the probability of the child repeating that behavior.

The other options involve consequences that do not introduce a positive reward for desired behavior. Taking away a toy, turning down a loud TV, and ignoring a child until they say "please" are methods of punishment or prompting behavior without the addition of a positive reinforcement element. Therefore, these actions do not exemplify positive reinforcement.