Which principle states that the opportunity to engage in a high-probability behavior contingent on a low-frequency behavior will function as reinforcement for the low-frequency behavior?

• A. Positive Reinforcement
• B. Prediction
• C. Premack Principle
• D. Programming Common Stimuli

Answer: (C)

Premack Principle explains that access to a behavior with high probability of occurring can reinforce a less frequent behavior when that high-probability activity is made contingent on the occurrence of the low-frequency behavior. In practice, the more preferred activity (high-probability) becomes the reinforcement for the less preferred one (low-frequency) when the latter must be performed first. This is why giving a student the chance to engage in a favored activity after they complete a less preferred task strengthens the likelihood of doing the task again.

Positive Reinforcement is a broader concept about any reinforcing consequence increasing a behavior, not specifically about using a high-probability behavior as the reinforcement. Prediction deals with forecasting events rather than reinforcement contingencies. Programming Common Stimuli involves making cues in different environments similar to promote generalization, not about the relationship between high- and low-probability behaviors.