What type of reinforcement is provided after the occurrence of a desired behavior?

Positive reinforcement is a fundamental concept in behavior analysis that involves providing a pleasant or favorable stimulus after the occurrence of a desired behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. This type of reinforcement serves to strengthen the behavior by adding a reinforcing consequence that the individual finds rewarding.

For instance, if a child receives praise, a sticker, or a treat after completing their homework, they are more likely to repeat the behavior of doing homework in the future because it was followed by something positive. This aligns perfectly with the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped and maintained through their consequences.

In contrast, negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unfavorable stimulus to strengthen a behavior, while unconditioned reinforcement refers to reinforcers that are inherently satisfying (like food or water), and valued reinforcement is not a standard term used in behavioral science. Thus, positive reinforcement is the correct and widely recognized answer in this context.