Responses that produce a pleasurable return are called?

The correct answer is the term that refers specifically to responses that create a pleasurable consequence, thereby reinforcing certain behaviors. In behavioral psychology, a reward is designed to increase the likelihood that a behavior will be repeated.

Rewards can take many forms, such as tangible items, tokens, or even social recognition, but they all serve the function of providing a positive reinforcement that helps individuals associate the action with a favorable outcome. This association motivates individuals to continue or repeat that behavior in the future. While praise and encouragement can also elicit positive feelings, they serve different functions. Praise typically involves verbal acknowledgment of effort or achievement rather than being a tangible reward, and encouragement focuses on offering support and motivation rather than providing a direct return or benefit.

Understanding this distinction is essential for effective reinforcement strategies in both educational and behavioral contexts.