What is the effect of positive reinforcement on behavior?

Positive reinforcement is a key principle in behavior analysis that involves the presentation of a stimulus following a behavior, which increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. When an individual receives a rewarding consequence for their actions, they are more likely to engage in that behavior again as they associate the behavior with the positive outcome.

For example, if a child receives praise or a small reward for completing their homework, they are more inclined to complete their homework in the future because they want to experience that positive reinforcement again. This mechanism is fundamental in shaping and maintaining desired behaviors in various settings, including educational and therapeutic contexts.

Thus, the answer that states it increases the future frequency of the behavior accurately captures the essence of how positive reinforcement operates within behavior modification practices. The other options do not align with the principles of reinforcement, as they either suggest a decrease in behavior or no effect, which contradicts the established understanding of positive reinforcement.