Which statement best describes positive reinforcement?

The statement that a behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that increases future frequency accurately captures the essence of positive reinforcement. In positive reinforcement, when a desirable behavior is exhibited, it is immediately followed by a reward or a pleasant stimulus, which serves to strengthen the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.

For example, if a teacher praises a student for completing their homework on time, the praise acts as a positive stimulus that encourages the student to continue turning in their assignments punctually. This process highlights how positive reinforcement focuses on adding a rewarding element after a behavior occurs, thereby making that behavior more likely to happen again.

Understanding this principle is critical, as it underscores the role of positive stimuli in shaping behavior and motivating individuals to engage in actions that lead to favorable outcomes.