Identifying Positive Reinforcement in Learning

A behavior analyst is conducting an experiment with a group of children to explore the effectiveness of various reinforcement techniques in enhancing learning. The analyst introduces three distinct scenarios: in the first, children receive a sticker as a reward for completing their homework on time; in the second, they are given extra playtime during recess for following classroom rules; and in the third, they earn verbal praise for demonstrating teamwork skills during group activities.

After several weeks, the analyst observes a significant increase in homework completion, adherence to rules, and teamwork among the children. Which of the following principles of operant conditioning best explains the increased rates of desirable behaviors observed in this experiment?