Reinforcement can be distinguished from punishment in that reinforcement _______ a target behavior, whereas punishment _______ a target behavior.
A) removes; establishes
B) increases; decreases
C) discourages; encourages
D) inhibits; enhances

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reinforcement involves increasing the likelihood of a target behavior, while punishment involves decreasing the likelihood of a target behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is B, which states that reinforcement increases a target behavior and punishment decreases a target behavior. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the difference in the effects of reinforcement and punishment on target behaviors.

Reinforcement Can Be Distinguished from Punishment in That Reinforcement _______