What term is used to describe a stimulus that encourages a specific behavior?

The term "reinforcer" is used to describe a stimulus that encourages a specific behavior because it directly increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. A reinforcer can be anything that follows a behavior and strengthens that behavior, making it more likely to happen. This concept is rooted in the principles of behavior analysis, where the function of reinforcement is to strengthen behavioral responses due to the organism's interaction with the environment.

Other options like "positive reinforcement," while related, refer specifically to the addition of a stimulus after a behavior that increases the frequency of that behavior. "Motivator" is a broader term that doesn't specifically pertain to behavior analysis, as it may imply a range of influences on behavior without the direct relationship to reinforcement. "Behavior modifier" typically refers to methods or strategies used to change behavior but does not identify the specific kind of stimulus that directly encourages behavior. Thus, "reinforcer" captures the essence of a stimulus that leads to an increase in a specific behavior.