Final answer:
The term that describes the ability to control one's actions in the absence of external reinforcement or punishment is Self-control. It differs from Operant Conditioning which is an external control over behavior. Self-efficacy, on the other hand, is about having confidence in one's abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the ability to control one's actions in the absence of external reinforcement or punishment is a) Self-control. This term refers to a person's ability to regulate their own behaviors and actions, regardless of the presence of external factors such as rewards or punishments. This term is often associated with Self-regulation, also known as internal locus of control, which involves controlling one's behavior, emotions, and thoughts in the pursuit of long-term goals.
On the other hand, Operant Conditioning, developed by B. F. Skinner, is a learning process where the strength of a behavior is modified by its consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment. This involves an external control over behavior wherein a behavior may be strengthened or weakened, depending on the presence or absence of reinforcement (reward) or punishment (undesirable consequence).
Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. It reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment.
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