What is the basic process by which operant learning occurs, in which consequences following a response increase or decrease the likelihood of the same behavior under similar motivational conditions?

What is the basic process by which operant learning occurs, in which consequences following a response increase or decrease the likelihood of the same behavior under similar motivational conditions?

• A. Operant Conditioning
• B. Classical Conditioning
• C. Observational Learning
• D. Stimulus Control

Answer: (A)

Operant conditioning is the basic process by which learning occurs when consequences following a behavior change the likelihood of that behavior happening again under similar motivating conditions. If a consequence strengthens the behavior, making it more likely to occur again, that’s reinforcement; if it weakens the behavior, making it less likely, that’s punishment. This is distinct from classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a natural reflex, and from observational learning, which is learning by watching others, or from stimulus control, which involves how antecedent cues signal when a behavior will be reinforced. The key idea is that behavior is shaped by the consequences that follow it, altering future responding in similar situations.

Operant conditioning is the basic process by which learning occurs when consequences following a behavior change the likelihood of that behavior happening again under similar motivating conditions. If a consequence strengthens the behavior, making it more likely to occur again, that’s reinforcement; if it weakens the behavior, making it less likely, that’s punishment. This is distinct from classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a natural reflex, and from observational learning, which is learning by watching others, or from stimulus control, which involves how antecedent cues signal when a behavior will be reinforced. The key idea is that behavior is shaped by the consequences that follow it, altering future responding in similar situations.