General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

What behavior modification approach is used when rewarding employees for being on time at work for ten consecutive days?

1. Extinction

2. Punishment

3. Negative reinforcement

4. Positive reinforcement

The correct answer is: Positive reinforcement

The behavior modification approach involved in rewarding employees for being on time at work for ten consecutive days is positive reinforcement. This method encourages desirable behavior by offering a reward following the exhibition of that behavior. In this instance, the reward is a recognition or incentive given to employees for consistently arriving on time, reinforcing their punctuality and increasing the likelihood that they will continue to demonstrate this desirable behavior in the future. Positive reinforcement is based on the principle that behaviors which are rewarded are more likely to be repeated. By recognizing and rewarding employees for their good attendance, management not only motivates individuals but also sets a standard within the workplace, promoting a culture of punctuality. In contrast to this, the other methods mentioned – extinction, punishment, and negative reinforcement – do not involve rewarding behavior. Extinction refers to the process of removing reinforcements that maintain a behavior, leading to its decrease. Punishment involves applying a negative consequence to reduce unwanted behavior, while negative reinforcement entails removing an unpleasant stimulus when a desired behavior occurs, which is not the method used in this scenario. Hence, the most fitting approach is positive reinforcement, highlighting the importance of rewarding employees for positive actions.