Which behavior is least likely to be studied by researchers using operant conditioning techniques?

• A. Pressing a lever for food
• B. Pecking a key to receive water
• C. Completing a maze for a reward
• D. Reflexive knee-jerk response

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that operant conditioning involves learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by rewards or punishments following voluntary actions.
2. Identify that behaviors studied in operant conditioning are typically voluntary and goal-directed, such as pressing a lever, pecking a key, or completing a maze to obtain a reward.
3. Recognize that a reflexive knee-jerk response is an involuntary, automatic reaction that does not depend on consequences or learning through rewards or punishments.
4. Compare the given behaviors and determine which one is least likely to be studied using operant conditioning by focusing on whether the behavior is voluntary or reflexive.
5. Conclude that the reflexive knee-jerk response is least likely to be studied by operant conditioning researchers because it is an automatic reflex, not a learned voluntary behavior.