ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which type of reinforcement occurs when a desirable behavior is strengthened through rewards?

1. Punishment

2. Positive reinforcement

3. Negative reinforcement

4. Extinction

The correct answer is: Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the process by which a desirable behavior is strengthened through the introduction of a rewarding stimulus following that behavior. This method is effective in encouraging individuals to repeat behaviors that have led to positive outcomes. For instance, if a client in a health coaching context achieves their fitness goals and in response receives praise, recognition, or tangible rewards, the likelihood of them continuing to engage in those healthy behaviors increases. The rewards serve to affirm and reinforce the positive behavior, making it more likely to be repeated in the future. In contrast, punishment refers to introducing an unpleasant consequence to deter a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus as a consequence of a desired behavior, both of which do not involve rewards in the same meaningful way that positive reinforcement does. Extinction involves the discontinuation of reinforcement which eventually leads to a decrease in behavior. Each of these alternatives operates on different principles that do not focus on strengthening desirable behavior through rewards.