In Skinner's box, pressing the lever to obtain food demonstrates which principle?

• A. Positive Reinforcement
• B. Negative Reinforcement
• C. Punishment
• D. Extinction

Answer: (A)

The main idea is positive reinforcement. In Skinner’s box, the rat’s lever press is followed by the delivery of food, a desirable outcome that increases the likelihood of the lever-press behavior happening again. This is reinforcement through addition of a rewarding stimulus, which strengthens the response. It’s not negative reinforcement, which would involve removing something aversive to boost the behavior; nor is it punishment, which would add something unpleasant to reduce the behavior; and extinction would occur if the food stopped being given, leading the behavior to fade.