According to behavior modification, which statement describes how behavior works?

• A. Behavior is random and cannot be influenced
• B. Rewards have no effect on repetition
• C. Punishment increases repetition
• D. Behavior is a function of its consequence

Answer: (D)

Behavior modification works on the idea that actions are shaped by what follows them. When a behavior produces a favorable consequence—such as praise, a reward, or the removal of an unpleasant condition—that behavior is more likely to occur again. When a behavior leads to something unfavorable or the removal of a positive outcome, it tends to decrease. This is the core principle of operant conditioning: consequences determine how likely a behavior is to be repeated. For example, awarding a student for completing homework makes that behavior more likely in the future, and a timeout after misbehavior tends to reduce that behavior. The other statements ignore how reinforcement and punishment actually influence behavior, and describe ideas that don’t fit how behavior modification explains learning and control.