Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'operant conditioning' as it is used in the counterpoint essay?

• A. A technique that focuses on the unconscious motives behind behavior.
• B. A learning process in which behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, such as rewards or punishments.
• C. A method of learning that occurs through association between two stimuli, typically resulting in a reflexive response.
• D. A process where individuals learn by observing and imitating the actions of others.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of operant conditioning by recognizing it as a type of learning where behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow it.
2. Step 2: Differentiate operant conditioning from other learning processes, such as classical conditioning (which involves association between two stimuli) and observational learning (which involves imitation).
3. Step 3: Identify that operant conditioning involves behaviors being either reinforced (increasing the likelihood of the behavior) or punished (decreasing the likelihood of the behavior).
4. Step 4: Recognize that operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behaviors that are shaped and maintained by their consequences, rather than unconscious motives or reflexive responses.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of operant conditioning is a learning process in which behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, such as rewards or punishments.