What is the term for providing something pleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior?

The term for providing something pleasant to increase the likelihood of a behavior is positive reinforcement. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, which is a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

When a pleasant stimulus is introduced after a desired behavior occurs, it effectively encourages that behavior to happen again in the future. For example, if a student receives praise or a reward for completing their homework on time, they are more likely to continue that behavior, as the positive feedback reinforces their actions.

In contrast, positive punishment involves the introduction of an unfavorable outcome or event following an undesired behavior, with the intent to discourage that behavior. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus as a means of increasing a behavior—for instance, taking away chores when a child gets good grades. Lastly, negative punishment refers to the removal of a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior, such as losing privileges when a child breaks rules.

Overall, positive reinforcement specifically addresses the addition of a pleasant stimulus to promote good behavior, making it a key concept in understanding how behaviors can be shaped and encouraged.