What term describes offering a learner something preferred to stop disruptive behaviors?

The term that accurately describes offering a learner something preferred to stop disruptive behaviors is reinforcement. In behavior analysis, reinforcement involves presenting a stimulus (often something the learner values or prefers) following a desired behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

By providing a preferred item or activity as a response to stopping disruptive behavior, the individual is more likely to learn that ceasing the disruptive behavior is beneficial in attaining something they enjoy. It is essential to distinguish this from bribery, as reinforcement is a systematic approach grounded in behavioral theories aimed at teaching and encouraging positive behavior rather than merely offering something extra to obtain immediate compliance without any teaching benefits.

Reinforcement is rooted in a deeper understanding of behavior modification, where the focus is on fostering an environment that increases adaptive behaviors rather than simply suppressing undesirable ones. Thus, using preferred items to promote positive behavior aligns with the definitions and principles of reinforcement in behavioral practice.