Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Practice Exam

The technique illustrated by a teacher offering homework exemption for high quiz scores aligns with positive reinforcement. In behaviorist terminology, positive reinforcement involves presenting a motivating item or stimulus after a desired behavior is exhibited, which increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

In this scenario, high quiz scores are rewarded with the incentive of homework exemption, which acts as a positive reinforcement for students. This strategy encourages students to strive for higher scores on quizzes, as achieving this goal leads to a desirable outcome. By reinforcing the behavior of performing well on quizzes, the teacher effectively promotes engagement and motivation in students.

Other options, while relevant to behaviorist concepts, do not accurately apply to this situation. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior, which is not what is happening here. Backup reinforcement refers to a strategy often associated with token economies, and social reinforcement pertains to the use of social approval or recognition to encourage behavior. However, in the context provided, positive reinforcement is the most appropriate term.