Question

When the consequence of a behavior increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated – for example, when a food pellet rolls down the chute after a rat pushes the correct lever- the behavior is said to have been:?

Answer 1

The repeated behaviour has been reinforced.

This is deduced from the learning mechanism known as operant conditioning, that consists on reinforcing certain behaviours through rewards or punishments respectively depending on whether the aim is to increase or decrease their frequency.

If there is a positive or rewarding stimulus after the correct behaviour it increases the likelihood of the behaviour repeating again.