What type of results can augmented feedback that functions as positive or negative reinforcement produce?

• A. It weakens the undesired behavior
• B. It confuses the learner
• C. Strengthens the behavior that the teacher wants the student to learn
• D. It has no effect

Answer: (C)

Reinforcement from augmented feedback works by making the learner more likely to repeat the action that produced a favorable outcome. When feedback is positive reinforcement, you add a reward or favorable signal after a correct performance, which increases the chances that the same correct action will be repeated. If you use negative reinforcement, the learner experiences the removal of an aversive element after a correct response, which also makes that correct action more likely to recur. In both cases, the feedback strengthens the behavior you want the student to demonstrate.

So this type of augmented feedback is best described as strengthening the behavior the teacher wants the student to learn. It’s not about weakening undesired behavior (that would be punishment), and when delivered clearly it helps more than it confuses. It certainly has an effect, because reinforcement tends to increase the target response.