What term describes the addition or giving of a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior?

The term that accurately describes the addition or giving of a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior is positive reinforcement. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, which posits that behaviors can be modified by their consequences. When a desirable stimulus is presented following a behavior, it strengthens that behavior by creating a positive association.

For example, if a student studies hard and receives praise from a teacher (the added stimulus), they are more likely to continue studying in the future. This principle is essential in behavior modification, as it explains how certain actions are learned and repeated due to positive outcomes.

In contrast, negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to encourage behavior, while positive punishment introduces an unfavorable outcome to reduce a behavior. Negative punishment entails taking away something desirable to decrease a behavior. Thus, positive reinforcement stands out as the mechanism that specifically involves adding a positive stimulus to encourage a behavior.