What is operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning refers to a learning process in which the likelihood of a behavior is modified by its consequences. This concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes how rewards and punishments influence behavior. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing outcome, that behavior is more likely to be repeated in the future; conversely, if a behavior leads to a negative outcome, it is less likely to be performed again. This process highlights the importance of external stimuli in shaping behavior, making it distinct from the other options.

The focus of operant conditioning on consequences differentiates it from learning through imitation, which is more aligned with social learning theory. Additionally, it does not primarily emphasize internal mental processes, which would be characteristic of cognitive psychology. Lastly, while operant conditioning could aid in strategies for retaining information through reinforcement, its foundational principle revolves around behavioral responses rather than information retention strategies. Thus, it is the impact of consequences on behavior that defines operant conditioning.