What concept describes using rewards to reinforce good behavior?

The concept of using rewards to reinforce good behavior is best described by operant conditioning. This psychological principle, pioneered by B.F. Skinner, explains how behaviors can be modified through the use of reinforcement and punishment. When a behavior is followed by a positive stimulus, such as a reward, it increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future. This method emphasizes that behaviors are influenced by their consequences; thus, if a behavior yields a positive outcome, it is more likely to be repeated.

In this context, rewards serve as positive reinforcement, strengthening the association between the behavior and the gratifying result. For example, if a child receives praise or a treat for completing their homework, they are more likely to continue doing their homework in the future due to the positive reinforcement they received.

The other concepts, while related to learning and behavior, do not specifically focus on the use of rewards in the same way that operant conditioning does. Extinction pertains to the reduction of a behavior when it is no longer reinforced. Instructional conditioning focuses more on learning through instruction rather than reinforcement of behavior. Social learning theory emphasizes the observation and imitation of behaviors rather than direct reinforcement, though it acknowledges that consequences can influence future actions.