Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement?

• A. Verbal scolding
• B. Verbal praise
• C. Time-out
• D. Ignoring

Answer: (B)

Positive reinforcement adds something desirable after a behavior to increase how often that behavior occurs. Verbal praise fits this pattern: when a student completes a task or behaves appropriately, giving them praise like “great job” provides a pleasant consequence that makes it more likely they’ll repeat the behavior. The goal is to strengthen the chosen behavior by presenting a positive outcome immediately after it happens. By contrast, verbal scolding assigns a negative consequence to reduce behavior, time-out removes access to preferred activities (a form of punishment), and ignoring takes away attention, which can also decrease or extinguish the behavior. So verbal praise is the clear example of positive reinforcement.