What describes a situation where a response is followed by the presentation of a stimulus, leading to more frequent similar responses in the future?

Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the addition of a stimulus that is considered pleasurable or rewarding, enhancing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in similar situations in the future. This concept is fundamental in behavior analysis and reinforcement theory, emphasizing the role of rewards in shaping behavior. For example, if a child receives praise or a treat for completing their homework, the positive stimulus reinforces the behavior of doing homework, making it more likely they will continue to do it in the future.

In contrast, negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus after a desired behavior is exhibited, further encouraging that behavior but through a different mechanism than positive reinforcement. Negative punishment entails removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior, while respondent conditioning focuses on the association between an unconditioned stimulus and a conditioned stimulus, leading to a response. Each of these alternatives operates under a different principle than what is described in the question, making positive reinforcement the correct choice as it specifically highlights the presentation of a stimulus that increases behavior frequency.