In operant conditioning, what is the central idea about how behavior changes over time?

• A. Behavior is shaped by its consequences, such as reinforcement and punishment, which influence the likelihood of the behavior occurring again.
• B. Behavior is determined largely by unconscious conflicts from early childhood experiences rather than by current outcomes.
• C. Behavior is learned primarily through associating two stimuli that occur close together in time (stimulus-stimulus learning).
• D. Behavior changes mainly through insight and understanding without needing external feedback or consequences.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is influenced by its consequences.
2. Recognize that the central concept involves reinforcement and punishment, which either increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring.
3. Identify reinforcement as any consequence that strengthens a behavior, making it more likely to happen again, and punishment as any consequence that weakens a behavior.
4. Note that this process differs from other learning theories, such as classical conditioning (which involves associating two stimuli) or psychoanalytic theories (which focus on unconscious conflicts).
5. Conclude that in operant conditioning, behavior changes over time primarily because of the consequences that follow the behavior, shaping future actions.