Probability that. Tendency to.

Both words fit grammatically. Both are good English. Both have a clear meaning, and the meanings are similar. In my opinion, this is a subject matter question, not an English question. I like "probability" better. The reason is that reinforcement theory is intended to be mathematical and statistical, and it is easier to measure a "probability" than a "tendency." It is likely that "reinforcer" actually has an established definition in the psychology of operant condition. Maybe it is defined in psychology textbooks. Maybe someone taking the exam is expected to know it. I did a quick web search for "reinforcer" and I found examples of language saying it increases the "probability," the "likelihood," and the "frequency" of the behavior.

If the text is not either for an English examination nor for an official report of some kind. And is not to be used in a court of law as evidence. Then you can usr either BUT probability fits in better. Probability = the extent to which something is likely to happen or be the case......"the rain will make the probability of a postponement even greater. Probability mathematics/math/maths the extent to which an event is likely to occur, measured by the ratio of the favourable cases to the whole number of cases possible. "the area under the curve represents probability". Tendency= an inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behaviour. a likelihood to happen or to have a particular characteristic or effect: There is a tendency in films to make the equation between violence and excitement. Apparently some people have an inborn tendency to develop certain kinds of tumour. She's one of those authors who has a tendency to overwrite. Our best intentions are sometimes subverted by our natural tendency to selfishness. When writing or speaking we say a probability that x will happen and a tendency/likehood for someting to happen. CONCLUSION there is not anything preceding text to gather an overall picture of the full complete context of what id being discussed therefore the answer is subjective. You can pick either. You can argue equally from the limited text that A behaviour requires you to use Tendency = an inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behaviour. And other people will argue equally as strongly that you should use probability = the extent to which something is likely to happen or be the case. the level of possibility of something happening or being true:

The word that fits best in the sentence is "probability." The sentence would read: "Rather than internal thoughts or desires, the theory is that behaviors are controlled by reinforcers-- any consequence that, when immediately following a response, increases the probability that the behaviour will be repeated." Explanation: In the context of behaviorism and reinforcement theory, the word "probability" is more suitable than "tendency" to convey the intended meaning. Reinforcement theory suggests that behaviors are more likely to be repeated when favourable consequences (reinforcers) are followed. The word "probability" accurately captures the idea that these positive consequences increase the likelihood or chances that the behavior will occur again. On the other hand, "tendency" might not fully convey the statistical aspect of how behavior is influenced by reinforcement.