What effect does reinforcement have on the frequency of a behavior?

Reinforcement is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology that refers to any consequence that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing stimulus, the association between the behavior and its positive outcome encourages the individual to engage in that behavior more frequently in the future.

The correct answer indicates that reinforcement leads to an increase in the frequency of a behavior. This effect can occur in various contexts, such as operant conditioning, where a specific behavior is reinforced with rewards like praise, treats, or any positive stimulus. For instance, if a student receives praise for completing their homework, this positive reinforcement motivates them to do homework more regularly.

In summary, reinforcement plays a critical role in shaping behavior by providing an incentive that encourages individuals to repeat actions that lead to favorable outcomes.