Final answer:
The behavioral program where tokens are awarded for desirable behaviors fits with operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a learning process where behaviors are strengthened or weakened by their consequences, like reinforcement or punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavioral program you've described aligns most closely with operant conditioning. In operant conditioning, the motivation for a behavior occurs after the behavior is demonstrated, which is precisely what happens when tokens are awarded for desirable behaviors. B.F. Skinner, a major proponent of operant conditioning, described this learning process as one where the consequences that follow a behavior—either reinforcement or punishment—influence the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a response by adding a desirable stimulus, such as tokens that can be exchanged for goods or privileges, following the desired behavior. This leads to systematic reinforcement throughout the day and encourages the repetition of the desired behavior.
At its core, operant conditioning is about modifying behavior through the use of reinforcement or punishment. When you award tokens that can be exchanged for positive rewards, you are using what is known as a token economy, which is a common application of operant conditioning principles. It's aimed at increasing desirable behaviors and reducing misbehavior by providing tangible rewards that can be accumulated and exchanged for desired goods or privileges.