NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which term describes the process of strengthening behavior through rewards or consequences?

1. Reinforcement

2. Feedback

3. Motivation

4. Guidance

The correct answer is: Reinforcement

Reinforcement refers to a behavioral process that strengthens a response or behavior by providing rewards or applying consequences following that behavior. When a behavior is followed by a positive outcome or reinforcement, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. This principle is rooted in behaviorism, particularly the work of B.F. Skinner, who demonstrated how reinforcement impacts learning and behavior modification. In learning contexts, positive reinforcement involves rewarding a desired behavior, such as praising a student for completing their homework. Negative reinforcement can involve removing an unpleasant stimulus in response to a behavior, thereby encouraging that behavior to occur again. The other terms do not capture this specific mechanism: feedback refers to the information given about performance, motivation concerns the internal or external factors that drive individuals to act, and guidance is about providing direction or advice without necessarily involving a reward or penalty system. Thus, reinforcement is the term that accurately describes the strengthening of behavior through rewards or consequences.