Which technique can be used to increase the likelihood of desired behavior?

The technique that can be used to increase the likelihood of desired behavior is positive reinforcement. This approach involves presenting a favorable stimulus following a desired behavior, which increases the chances that the behavior will occur again in the future. For instance, if a child receives praise or a reward for completing their homework, they are more likely to complete their homework again in the future due to the positive experience associated with it.

Positive reinforcement is effective because it not only acknowledges the specific behavior but also reinforces the individual’s motivation to engage in that behavior again. It builds self-esteem, encourages a positive association with the behavior, and ultimately fosters an environment where the desired behavior can thrive.

Other techniques such as negative reinforcement involve the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen a behavior, but they do not inherently provide a positive outcome that encourages ongoing behavior. Punishment, on the other hand, aims to decrease an unwanted behavior and can lead to fear or resentment, which is not conducive to learning the desired behavior. Thus, positive reinforcement is the most effective and constructive technique for increasing desired behaviors.