Arizona State University (ASU) PSY101 Introduction to Psychology Exam 4 Practice

Operant conditioning is fundamentally a learning process that involves modifying the strength and frequency of behaviors through reinforcement or punishment. This concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the consequences of a behavior as a means to influence future behavior. Positive reinforcement encourages the continuation of a behavior by providing a favorable outcome, while punishment aims to decrease the likelihood of an unwanted behavior by introducing negative consequences.

Understanding operant conditioning is crucial because it highlights how behaviors can be shaped over time. For instance, if a child completes their homework and receives praise (a form of positive reinforcement), they are more likely to repeat this behavior in the future. Similarly, if a misbehaving dog receives a reprimand every time it jumps on the furniture, it is less likely to repeat that behavior due to the punishment.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of operant conditioning. Studying cognitive processes focuses more on how people think, learn, and remember, rather than behavior modification. Exploring dreams falls under different psychological theories, such as those proposed by Freud, and does not relate to the principles of operant conditioning. Classical conditioning, initiated by Ivan Pavlov, deals with associating an involuntary response to a stimulus, which is distinct from the voluntary behavior modification involved