positive reinforcement

This term originates from behavioral psychology and describes a specific mechanism of operant conditioning. It is distinct from negative reinforcement, which involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus; positive reinforcement specifically requires the addition of a desirable reward to increase the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

In professional and educational settings, the term carries a supportive and constructive connotation. It is frequently used in pedagogy, animal training, and corporate management to describe a strategy that focuses on success and reward rather than punishment or correction.