What psychological principle holds that behavior frequency can be altered through rewards and punishments?

The principle that behavior frequency can be altered through rewards and punishments is encapsulated in behavioral conditioning. This concept is rooted in the work of psychologists such as B.F. Skinner, who developed operant conditioning theory. Operant conditioning suggests that behaviors can be increased or decreased based on the reinforcement (rewards) or punishment (negative consequences) that follow those behaviors.

In practical terms, if a certain behavior is followed by a positive outcome (like receiving praise or a reward), it is likely to be repeated in the future. Conversely, if that behavior results in a negative outcome (like punishment or a reprimand), it is less likely to occur again.

This principle is utilized in various aspects of criminal justice and behavior modification, where reinforcing positive behavior or discouraging negative behavior is fundamental in rehabilitation, training, and law enforcement strategies.

The other concepts mentioned do not focus specifically on the modification of behavior through reinforcement and punishment. Social disorganization refers to the breakdown of social institutions, anomie relates to a state of normlessness in society, and the Five Modes of Adaptation is a framework from strain theory that describes how individuals adapt to social strain, but does not specifically address behavioral conditioning through rewards and punishments.