What type of reinforcement offers attractive consequences to encourage continued behavior?

Positive reinforcement is the process of providing attractive consequences or rewards following a desired behavior in order to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This strategy taps into the principles of operant conditioning, whereby behavior can be modified through rewards that create a positive association with the actions taken.

For example, in a workplace environment, if an employee consistently meets their targets and receives praise, bonuses, or other forms of acknowledgment, they are more likely to continue performing at that level to receive similar rewards again. This approach promotes a positive atmosphere and encourages individuals to engage in behaviors that align with organizational goals.

The other types of reinforcement or consequences mentioned work differently: negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior, punishment introduces an adverse consequence to decrease behavior, and extinction seeks to eliminate behavior by withholding reinforcement. Each does not focus on providing attractive outcomes, which is the essence of positive reinforcement.