An instrumental response that produces a favorable consequence
A) will be immediately suppressed.
B) will occur more frequently.
C) will produce a species-typical response.
D) weakens adjacent circuits in the brain.
E) is said to involve the process of punishment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An instrumental response that produces a favorable consequence is known as a positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement increases the probability of a behavior occurring again in the future, so the behavior will occur more frequently. Choice A is incorrect because suppression is associated with punishment. Choice C is incorrect because whether the behavior produces a species-typical response is irrelevant to the consequences it produces. Choice D is incorrect because strengthening adjacent circuits in the brain is what happens during learning. Choice E is incorrect because punishment involves the process of weakening a behavior by following it with an aversive consequence.

An Instrumental Response That Produces a Favorable Consequence