In the context of a Functional Behavioral Assessment, what is positive reinforcement?

In the context of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), positive reinforcement refers to providing a desired stimulus to encourage a specific behavior. This concept is grounded in behavioral psychology, where reinforcing a behavior increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. For example, if a teacher praises a student for completing their homework, the positive feedback serves as a reinforcement that motivates the student to continue completing homework in the future.

Implementing positive reinforcement requires an understanding of what each student values as rewarding. It can take many forms, such as verbal praise, tangible rewards, or privileges, and is used effectively to shape and modify behaviors in a desired direction. This approach is critical in special education settings, where individualized methods are necessary to address diverse learning and behavioral needs.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of positive reinforcement. One option mentions the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, which is instead referred to as negative reinforcement, and focuses on eliminating aversive factors to encourage behavior. Others involve methods like peer feedback or direct observation, which assess or observe behavior rather than directly reinforce it.