Amanda knows that motivation is important in the workplace. As a manager, she is trying to understand the concept of reinforcers. Amanda should know that a reinforcer is ______.
A) an event that only weakens the behavior it follows
B) an event that only strengthens the behavior it follows
C) an event that strengthens or weakens behavior that precedes it
D) an event that strengthens or weakens behavior it follows

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A reinforcer is an event that can either strengthen or weaken a behavior depending on whether it is a positive or negative reinforcer. Positive reinforcers increase the likelihood of behavior repeating in the future, while negative reinforcers decrease the likelihood of behavior repeating in the future. Both positive and negative reinforcers strengthen or weaken the behavior that precedes them. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Amanda Knows That Motivation Is Important in the Workplace