Final answer:
Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow them. It involves systematically manipulating aspects of the individual's environment to produce predictable changes in behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a predictable change in behavior can be reliably produced by the systematic manipulation of some aspect of the individual's environment, it is called operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow them.
For example, if a child receives praise and a treat every time they clean their room, they are likely to continue cleaning their room in the future. The positive reinforcement of praise and treats strengthens the behavior of cleaning the room.
Operant conditioning is used in various settings, such as schools and homes, to modify behavior and promote more desired behaviors while reducing undesirable ones.