According to Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, what type of stimulus is likely to make behavior recur?

In Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, a rewarding stimulus plays a critical role in reinforcing behavior, making it more likely to occur again in the future. This concept is rooted in the idea that behaviors followed by positive outcomes tend to be repeated. When an individual receives a reward—such as praise, a treat, or any form of positive reinforcement—for a specific behavior, they are encouraged to replicate that behavior to achieve the same positive outcome. This transactional relationship between behavior and reward is essential to understanding how learning can be shaped and modified through reinforcement mechanisms.

In contrast, neutral stimuli do not significantly influence behavior, as they lack the associational value necessary to encourage repetition. Punishing stimuli can decrease the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring, as they introduce negative consequences. Habitual stimuli, while they may be associated with routine behaviors, do not inherently provide the reinforcement needed to promote behavior recurrence in the same way that rewarding stimuli do. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of rewards in creating lasting behavioral change.