What is operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology that refers specifically to a method of learning through the consequences of behavior. It involves individuals learning to associate specific behaviors with rewards or punishments. When a behavior is followed by a reward, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. Conversely, if a behavior is followed by a punishment, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again decreases.

This process was significantly studied by B.F. Skinner, who demonstrated how reinforcement (positive or negative) could strengthen behaviors, while punishment could weaken or eliminate behaviors. Understanding operant conditioning is crucial for grasping how behavior can be modified and the principles behind behavior modification techniques used in various contexts, such as education and therapy.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of operant conditioning. A reformulation of classical conditioning refers to a different concept that relies on associating an involuntary response with a stimulus rather than focusing on voluntary behaviors and their consequences. Cognitive therapy relates to thinking patterns and beliefs rather than behavioral consequences, and a research method in psychology would encompass broader techniques used for investigation, which is not specific to the learning processes described in operant conditioning.