Which statement best describes the role of reinforcement in ABA?

• A. Positive reinforcers are used to encourage target behaviors
• B. Reinforcement is never used
• C. Punishment is the only method
• D. Reinforcement is used to decrease behavior only

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement in ABA strengthens a behavior by following the behavior with a consequence the learner values, making it more likely to happen again. The statement that positive reinforcers are used to encourage target behaviors best captures this role because it emphasizes adding a desirable outcome after the behavior to increase its frequency. For example, giving praise or a preferred toy after the child completes a task makes that task more likely to be repeated. While reinforcement can also involve removing an aversive situation (negative reinforcement), the central idea is to boost the target behavior, not to decrease it. The other options suggest reinforcement isn’t used, or that punishment is the only method, or that reinforcement decreases behavior, which aren’t accurate descriptions of how reinforcement functions in ABA.