Answer:
This praise will most likely influence his behavior and therefore, is an example of positive reinforcement.
Explanation:
Behaviorism or behavioral psychology believes that all behaviors are acquired through interaction with the environment in the form of positive or negative reinforcements. A positive reinforcement has the purpose of rewarding and, therefore, encouraging a certain desired behavior. For instance, receiving a compliment from your boss after working hard on a project makes you feel proud of yourself. It is a positive reinforcement, since you will most likely keep on working hard after being acknowledged.
The same is happening when John's coworkers reward him with a fruit basket. John is now making the connection that all his hard work to lose weight has been acknowledged. He is, thus, being encouraged to maintain this behavior, since it led him to being admired and to receiving a gift. Therefore, this praise is an example of positive reinforcement.
