In behavioral terms, what is a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again?

In behavioral terminology, reinforcement is defined as a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing consequence—such as a reward, praise, or any other positive stimulus—the individual is more likely to engage in that behavior again. This is fundamental to the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by their consequences.

Reinforcement can take different forms, including positive reinforcement, which adds a pleasant stimulus following a desired behavior, and negative reinforcement, which removes an unpleasant stimulus as a result of a desired behavior. Both forms serve to strengthen the behavior being reinforced.

In contrast, the other options do not serve to increase the behavior's likelihood. Punishment involves consequences that decrease unwanted behaviors, while feedback typically involves information provided to an individual about their performance and may not necessarily increase behavior. Discipline often refers to broader actions taken to correct behavior, which does not directly imply an increase in the behavior's occurrence.