In ABA, what is the purpose of reinforcement?

Reinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that serves to increase the likelihood that a specific behavior will be repeated in the future. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing consequence — something that is perceived as favorable or rewarding — it strengthens the association between that behavior and the positive outcome. This leads to an increase in the frequency, duration, or intensity of the behavior in similar future situations.

For instance, if a child receives praise or a tangible reward after completing a task, the positive outcome encourages them to engage in that behavior more often because they associate it with a pleasant result. Thus, reinforcement is not about merely avoiding errors, fostering competition, or solely aiming for long-term behavioral changes; it primarily focuses on enhancing behavior through positive consequences, making option C the most accurate reflection of the purpose of reinforcement in ABA.