Which of the following best describes the main idea of operant conditioning?

• A. Behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, such as rewards and punishments.
• B. Memory is improved by repeated rehearsal and encoding strategies.
• C. Learning occurs through the association of two stimuli presented together.
• D. Cognitive development progresses through a series of universal stages.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept in the question: operant conditioning, which is a fundamental theory in behavioral psychology.
2. Recall that operant conditioning involves learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by rewards (reinforcements) or punishments.
3. Compare the given options to the definition of operant conditioning: it is not about memory improvement, stimulus association, or cognitive development stages.
4. Recognize that the correct description of operant conditioning is that behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, such as rewards and punishments.
5. Confirm that this option aligns with B.F. Skinner's theory, which emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in learning behavior.