What effect does negative reinforcement have on behavior?

Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by removing an unpleasant or aversive stimulus when the desired behavior occurs. This removal of the negative condition increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in similar situations in the future. For example, when a student studies hard to avoid poor grades, the act of studying becomes reinforced because it leads to the absence of the negativity associated with lower grades, encouraging the student to continue engaging in that behavior.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of negative reinforcement. It does not decrease behavior, nor does it have no effect or random effects; rather, it has a specific role in promoting a behavior by eliminating something undesirable.