What is the term for the reinforcement of a response by the addition of a pleasurable stimulus?

The term for the reinforcement of a response by the addition of a pleasurable stimulus is positive reinforcement. This concept is fundamental in operant conditioning, where behaviors are strengthened by the introduction of a rewarding stimulus following the behavior. For example, when a child receives praise for completing their homework, the praise serves as a pleasurable stimulus, encouraging the child to continue doing their homework in the future.

This process differs from negative reinforcement, which involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to increase a desired behavior. Operant conditioning is a broader category that encompasses different reinforcement types but does not specifically define the addition of a pleasurable stimulus. Classical conditioning, on the other hand, refers to a learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus, which is distinct from the concept of reinforcement in operant conditioning.