---
title: "Reinforcement — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Reinforcement is any consequence that makes a behavior more likely to repeat. It powers operant conditioning, behavior therapies, and Skinner's theory of language."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/reinforcement"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Reinforcement — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Reinforcement is a consequence that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior by providing a desirable outcome or removing an undesirable one.

## Related Study Guides

- [8.4 Bipolar, Depressive, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders](/ap-psych-revised/unit-8/bipolar-depressive-anxiety-obsessive-compulsive-disorders/study-guide/0CSNp2uWDMmXMIAa60ND)
- [4.3 Operant Conditioning](/ap-psych-revised/unit-4/operant-conditioning/study-guide/DUhup3HeqinYuyytGAJ4)
- [Unit 4 Overview: Learning](/ap-psych-revised/unit-4/review/study-guide/SSzKbswC0PjWeQ3FbTj0)
- [4.4 Social and Cognitive Factors in Learning](/ap-psych-revised/unit-4/social-cognitive-factors-learning/study-guide/kGNKMKA90vmhec4bCeqC)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Positive Reinforcement](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/positive-reinforcement): Adding something desirable to increase a behavior.
- [Negative Reinforcement](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/negative-reinforcement): Removing something undesirable to increase a behavior.
- [Operant Conditioning](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/operant-conditioning): A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences.