What is a likely outcome from applying negative reinforcement?

Applying negative reinforcement typically results in an increase in the frequency of a desired behavior. Negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the removal of an aversive stimulus, which makes the behavior more likely to occur in the future. For example, if a student studies hard to avoid failing a test, the removal of the anxiety (the aversive stimulus) caused by the potential failure reinforces the studying behavior.

In this context, as the aversive condition is removed as a consequence of the behavior, individuals are more likely to repeat that behavior to escape or avoid the negative stimulus in the future. This principle is rooted in behaviorism and illustrates how behavior can be shaped by the consequences that follow it.