Final answer:
Larry's parents used operant conditioning by punishing him (removing video games) to discourage his bullying behavior, which is effective in reducing unwanted behavior according to the principles of behavior modification.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario described, Larry's parents are using operant conditioning to modify his behavior. Operant conditioning utilizes reinforcement or punishment to either strengthen or weaken a behavior so that the individual is more likely to exhibit the desired behavior in the future. In this case, his parents took away his video games, which is a form of punishment, to decrease the undesirable behavior of bullying.
Operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning in that it deals with the modification of 'voluntary' behavior or operant behavior. Operant behavior means the individual makes choices that then determine whether certain consequences will follow. These consequences can either be reinforcers or punishers. For example, if the child does something favorable (like not bullying), they avoid a negative consequence (losing video games). On the other hand, classical conditioning involves associating an involuntary response with a stimulus, while social learning involves learning behaviors through observation and imitation.
Conditioning doesn't always involve a reward -- it can also revolve around using punishment to decrease unwanted behaviors. In the given context, Larry learned to stop hitting and pushing his brother because the punishment (loss of video game privileges) discouraged the bullying behavior.