Which description best defines operant conditioning?

Which description best defines operant conditioning?

• A. A form of learning that occurs automatically without conscious control
• B. Learning by observing others' behavior
• C. Type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences (Consequence: Reinforcement, punishment, extinction)
• D. A process of acquiring language through imitation

Answer: (C)

Operant conditioning is a type of learning where voluntary behaviors are shaped by their consequences. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing outcome, it becomes more likely to occur again; when a behavior is followed by punishment, it becomes less likely; and when the consequences lead to extinction, the behavior fades away. This focus on how outcomes influence actions distinguishes it from other learning forms. For example, learning by observing others’ behavior is observational learning, and acquiring skills or language through imitation is modeling or social learning, not about how consequences shape our own actions. Some learning happens automatically without conscious control—that aligns more with reflexive associations than operant conditioning.

Operant conditioning is a type of learning where voluntary behaviors are shaped by their consequences. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing outcome, it becomes more likely to occur again; when a behavior is followed by punishment, it becomes less likely; and when the consequences lead to extinction, the behavior fades away. This focus on how outcomes influence actions distinguishes it from other learning forms. For example, learning by observing others’ behavior is observational learning, and acquiring skills or language through imitation is modeling or social learning, not about how consequences shape our own actions. Some learning happens automatically without conscious control—that aligns more with reflexive associations than operant conditioning.