What term denotes a positive sanction that praises or improves someone's situation?

• A. Rewards
• B. Sanctions
• C. Penalties
• D. Incentives

Answer: (A)

Positive sanctions are responses that reward conformity to norms. A reward is a tangible or intangible benefit given for following a rule or performing a desirable action. It fits “praises or improves someone's situation” because praise, honors, privileges, or material gains all count as rewards that elevate someone’s standing or improve their circumstances. Sanctions as a whole cover both positive and negative outcomes, so the term that specifically denotes the praising or benefiting side is rewards. Penalties are negative sanctions, and incentives are external motivators that encourage behavior but aren’t themselves the social response like praise or improvement of status.