Operant conditioning describes learning that is shaped by what mechanism?

• A. Reinforcement or punishment
• B. Repetition of a chemical process
• C. Inheritance
• D. Classical conditioning

Answer: (A)

Operant conditioning is learning driven by the consequences of a voluntary behavior. When a behavior is followed by reinforcement, such as a reward, it becomes more likely to occur again. When it’s followed by punishment or the removal of a positive outcome, the behavior tends to occur less often. Through these cause-and-effect relationships, the organism learns which actions are advantageous. This is different from classical conditioning, where learning happens through associations between two stimuli rather than the consequences of a behavior. So the mechanism is reinforcement or punishment, not a repetition of a chemical process or inheritance.