When comparing anions from the same period, higher electronegativity of A in the H-A bond increases / decreases (circle the correct answer) acid strength.

increases

Explanation:

Across the period, the electronegativity increases as the number of electrons increases which causes an increase in the effective nuclear charge. As a result, the size decreases and electronegativity increases.

The higher the electronegativity of A in the bond H-A, the more polar is the bond and the more easily it will dissociate in water to furnish hydrogen ions and thus will have more acidic strength.