Deprivation increases the potency of a reinforcer because:

• A. The dog is less motivated by the reward.
• B. The reward is more valuable due to scarcity.
• C. It reduces the dog's drive.
• D. It reduces the dog's sensitivity to cues.

Answer: (B)

Deprivation heightens motivation to obtain a desired outcome. When a dog hasn’t had access to a reinforcer for a period, its need for that item increases, making the reward more valuable. That increased value boosts the reinforcer’s potency, so the dog is more willing to perform the behavior to obtain it. This reflects how scarcity or lack of access raises the reinforcing value, guiding stronger learning and response strength. The other ideas—being less motivated by the reward, a reduced drive, or reduced sensitivity to cues—would lower reinforcement effectiveness, not increase it.