Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. Which option best describes this form of learning?

• A. Classical conditioning
• B. Operant conditioning
• C. Respondent behavior
• D. Observational learning

Answer: (B)

Operant conditioning is learning where behavior is shaped by its consequences: a reinforcer makes the behavior more likely to occur again, while a punisher makes it less likely. This focuses on voluntary actions and how rewards or punishments in the environment strengthen or weaken those behaviors. It differs from classical conditioning, which links two stimuli to elicit an automatic response; and from respondent behavior, which is reflexive. It also differs from observational learning, which happens by watching others. So the description best matches operant conditioning.