Which term is defined as an action meant to increase a good behavior?

Reinforcement refers to any action or strategy designed to increase the likelihood of a desirable behavior occurring again in the future. This concept is central to behavior modification and is a key principle in various educational and psychological frameworks. By providing positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards, educators and parents can encourage students to repeat good behaviors. This practice not only strengthens the desired behavior but also fosters a positive learning environment where students feel motivated to engage in constructive actions.

In contrast, punishment is intended to decrease undesirable behavior rather than increase good behavior. Extinction involves the removal of reinforcement, leading to a decrease in the behavior over time. Social learning focuses on learning behaviors through observation and imitation rather than directly modifying behavior through reinforcement strategies. Therefore, reinforcement is specifically aligned with the goal of increasing positive actions.