When a reinforcing stimulus is added to reinforce a certain behavior, positive reinforcement results. When an unpleasant stimulus is subtracted to reinforce the behavior, negative reinforcement results.

Positive reinforcement is a type of reinforcement that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. It occurs when a person or animal receives something desirable in lieu of the desired behavior.

Some common examples of positive reinforcement in everyday life are when a child is given a candy for sitting down instead of getting up, or when a teacher rewards a student for completing a homework assignment with a privilege, like having the class set for the next day.

There are a few potential drawbacks to using positive reinforcement. For one, it can be ineffective in changing long-term behavior. Additionally, it can have a negative impact on the person or animal receiving the reinforcement, as they may become dependent on it.

Despite these potential drawbacks, positive reinforcement remains an effective tool for modifying behavior. It can be used to help children resist temptations, train animals, and increase compliance in people.