Which statement best describes operant conditioning?

Which statement best describes operant conditioning?

• A. Classical conditioning
• B. Observational learning
• C. Operant conditioning
• D. Social learning

Answer: (C)

Operant conditioning is learning that happens when a child’s behavior produces a consequence, and that consequence then increases or decreases the likelihood of that behavior happening again. If a behavior is followed by something rewarding or desirable, it tends to be repeated; if it’s followed by something unpleasant or by losing a reward, it tends to fade. This is an active form of learning driven by the outcomes of the child’s actions, unlike classical conditioning, which focuses on forming associations between two stimuli, or observational learning, which happens by watching others perform a behavior and imitating it. In real-world settings, this approach underpins strategies like using praise or preferred activities to reinforce communication or self-help skills, and using time-out or loss of access to a preferred item to reduce unwanted behaviors.

Operant conditioning is learning that happens when a child’s behavior produces a consequence, and that consequence then increases or decreases the likelihood of that behavior happening again. If a behavior is followed by something rewarding or desirable, it tends to be repeated; if it’s followed by something unpleasant or by losing a reward, it tends to fade. This is an active form of learning driven by the outcomes of the child’s actions, unlike classical conditioning, which focuses on forming associations between two stimuli, or observational learning, which happens by watching others perform a behavior and imitating it. In real-world settings, this approach underpins strategies like using praise or preferred activities to reinforce communication or self-help skills, and using time-out or loss of access to a preferred item to reduce unwanted behaviors.