What does the term 'operant conditioning' refer to?

The term 'operant conditioning' refers to a learning process where behavior is modified by its consequences. This concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes that behaviors are influenced by the rewards or punishments that follow them. For instance, when a behavior is followed by a positive consequence, such as a reward, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. Conversely, if a behavior leads to a negative consequence, it is less likely to occur again. This process highlights the active role of the individual in learning through their interactions with the environment, making it a crucial aspect in understanding behavior modification and learning.

The other options do not align with the definition of operant conditioning. The term associated with unconscious learning through association is more accurately related to classical conditioning, while memory retention techniques pertain to cognitive processes, and reasoning based on observation relates to empirical research methods rather than conditioning. Thus, option A accurately encapsulates the essence of operant conditioning.