When training a pigeon, what action is taken to encourage positive behavior?

Reinforcement is the correct approach to encourage positive behavior in the training of a pigeon. In the context of operant conditioning, reinforcement involves providing a reward following a desired behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. For example, when a pigeon successfully performs a task, such as pecking a button, the trainer might provide a food reward or a treat. This positive outcome strengthens the association between the behavior and the reward, fostering an environment where the pigeon is motivated to replicate that behavior in the future.

This strategy is critical in animal training because it builds a positive relationship between the trainer and the animal, creating an effective learning environment. Other methods, such as punishment, could lead to fear or anxiety, which generally impede learning rather than facilitate it. Exposure and modeling are less effective in this scenario; they don't directly provide the immediate feedback that reinforcement does in shaping behavior.