What is direct reinforcement?

Direct reinforcement refers to a principle in behavioral psychology where rewards are provided immediately following a specific behavior, effectively increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This concept is central to the operant conditioning theory proposed by B.F. Skinner, which emphasizes the relationship between behaviors and their consequences.

When an individual performs an action and receives a reward right afterward, it strengthens the association between the behavior and the positive outcome, making it more likely that the behavior will occur again under similar circumstances. For instance, if a student receives praise right after answering a question correctly, they are more likely to participate in future discussions.

The other options, while related to behavior and reinforcement, do not qualify as direct reinforcement. Feedback given after a task may not provide an immediate reward and could occur after a delay. Support from peers is more about social reinforcement rather than a direct reward for a specific behavior. Consequences that happen after a delay are not immediate, which diminishes their effectiveness as a form of direct reinforcement in behavior modification.