What is a key characteristic of operant conditioning?

A key characteristic of operant conditioning is that reinforcements and punishments influence behavior. This learning process, developed by B.F. Skinner, is grounded in the idea that behaviors can be modified based on their consequences. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcement, it is more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that lead to punishment tend to decrease in frequency. This dynamic interaction between behavior and its outcomes emphasizes the importance of consequences in shaping actions, which is central to how operant conditioning operates.

The focus on the influence of rewards and punishments distinguishes operant conditioning from other learning theories, such as classical conditioning, which does not involve such consequences. In summary, the relationship between behavior and its reinforcement or punishment forms the core of operant conditioning, making it a critical concept in understanding how behavior can be learned and modified over time.